This page is meant to be an archival source for any information regarding the Federal Rule Change on January 17, 2012 that added 4 Species of Constrictor Snakes onto the Injurious Wildlife list of the Lacey Act. I have already written two blogs concerning this issue, but hopefully this page will serve as a helpful tool for anyone looking for a quick source for information. I will periodically add resources as I find them, so please check back for updates.
Here’s some quick facts:
- Species affected: Burmese & Indian pythons (Python molurus sp.), northern African rock python (Python sebae), southern African rock python (Python natalensis) & yellow anaconda (Eunectes notaeus).
- It will be illegal to import any of these species into the U.S. from another country.
- It will be illegal to transport any of these species across state lines. This includes purchasing them through the internet, taking them to or from a reptile expo across state lines to buy/sell/trade, or taking them to a qualified medical attention across state lines.
- This rule change does NOT affect ownership! If you currently own, buy, or sell any of these species, you may continue to so WITHIN your state. As long the animal in question is not crossing state lines, you’re fine.
- It is also still legal to export any of these 4 species out of your state to another country.
- This rule change goes into effect March 23, 2012.
What does this mean?
- Obviously, it restricts the captive market for these four species of snake. Not only economically, but those who keep these snakes will be forced to give up their pets if they ever have to move to another state.
- There is no real scientific basis for this rule change (or any other exotic animal bans popping up, for that matter). Contrary to the USGS study, these snakes cannot establish themselves anywhere else in the U.S. beyond south Florida. It is a state problem, not a federal problem.
- Contrary to the intent of the rule change, this act of legislation does absolutely nothing for the environment; specifically, nothing to prevent the further spread of these animals. In fact, it potentially creates more ecological issues; keepers releasing these species into their nearby ecosystems out of desperation either because of a diminished market, or because of forced relocation out of state.
- In light of the recent animal escapes in Ohio and this rule change, individual states are jumping on the bandwagon of banning more species. As of Feb 7th, 2012, the states of Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Illinois, and Rhode Island have already proposed more outlandish legislation restricting and/or outright banning many species of exotics animals, reptiles in particular. In March 2012, Connecticut has also joined the fray.
What should we do?
- Educate yourself on the real facts. Too many herpers have (and still are) panicked about this recent turn of events, and have spouted off a lot of misinformation regarding the rule change, the pythons in Florida, and related topics. Get your information straight before sharing it with others.
- Support and donate to the United States Association of Reptile Keepers (www.USARK.org) as well as the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (www.PIJAC.org). They are the only lobby groups that are fighting for our rights.
- DO NOT support HSUS, PETA, the Defenders of Wildlife, or the Nature’s Conservancy! They are the non-govt organizations that are behind this recent rule change. They are against exotic pet ownership on all levels.
- Promote the hobby. Show everyone how much you love reptiles and how fascinating they are. Instead of posting smear campaigns of HSUS and the USFWS on your Facebook wall, focus on posting photos of you with your herps instead. Concentrate on the positive. People love photos! Use this as a tool to help educate your non-herping friends about reptiles and spread the word about these issues our hobby faces.
- If you haven’t already, get connected with a local herp society. Do some presentations at schools, libraries, birthday parties, events, etc. Let the general public have opportunities to see and interact with reptiles in person where they can touch and feel them. That can help change people’s perceptions of herps. Then that opens the door for you to educate them more and let them know about all these bans and laws and stuff.
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REFERENCES
Podcasts:
March 2008 – Reptile Radio – Dave Barker discussing the Notice of Inquiry (second one from the bottom)
July 2010 – Reptile Radio – Greg Graziani of Python Hunters
March 2011 – Reptile Radio – Greg Graziani of Python Hunters
Jan 18, 2012 – Herpin’ Time Radio – Chris Law from Crocodopolis
Jan 22, 2012 – Urban Jungles Radio – Myke Clarkson
Jan 25, 2012 – Herpin’ Time Radio – Andrew Wyatt of USARK
Jan 25, 2012 – Reptile Radio – Andrew Wyatt of USARK addresses the Python Ban
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PDF Files & Documents:
Final Rulemaking Document from the U.S. Dept. of the Interior and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
The Risk Assessment Study of Giant Constrictors by the U.S. Geological Society
USARK Final Report on Nonindigenous Burmese Pythons in the Everglades
Another Study on Burmese Pythons in Freezing Temperatures
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Questions & Answers regarding 4 Species Rule Change
How Big is Florida’s Python Problem? – American Veterinary Medical Association article
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Reptile-related Statistics:
Animal-related Fatalities as of 2001
Animals as Occupational Hazards as of 2000
*For more documents regarding statistics, Burmese pythons in the Everglades, reptiles in the media, the federal rule change, and more, please check out the USARK archives here.
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Other Links of Interest:
www.HumaneWatch.org – Facts regarding the real truth behind the Humane Society of the United States
www.PETAkillsAnimals.com – Facts regarding the real truth behind the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
The Burmese Python Initiative – A permanent adoption intermediary for these 4 species of giant constrictors. Founded by Ben Siegel. Sponsored by Kenan Karkin, Pro Exotics, BHB Enterprises, Repticon, Chicago Reptile House and many more!
