Giant Python ban?

[Arcapello]

I've been reading through the Giant Python section, and have heard a little about a ban.
I'm new to snake keeping (just got my first Ball Python), but I was hoping somewhere down the road I would be lucky enough to keep or be around Burmese Pythons.
Could someone explain the ban to me? Like, no large pythons at all? Or do you have to get a permit, or something?
I've heard of the Lacey Act, where they can't cross state lines.

[Don]

Google the Lacy Act. It was expanded this year to prohibit the transportation of Burmese Pythons (along with some other large snakes) across state lines.

[Arcapello]

Google the Lacy Act. It was expanded this year to prohibit the transportation of Burmese Pythons (along with some other large snakes) across state lines.

Why were Burmese Pythons banned, and not retics? That's ridiculous.
*sigh. Very sad. I wish they had just made it harder for irresponsible people to own large snakes.

[johnmauser]

Why were Burmese Pythons banned, and not retics? That's ridiculous.
*sigh. Very sad. I wish they had just made it harder for irresponsible people to own large snakes.

Because there is a population of Burmese Pythons in the everglades. This is why they were able to pass it. If there was a breeding population of Retics out there, they would have also been banned. Count yourself lucky, the people who push these bans also had boa constrictors and, I believe, ball pythons on the list. They've got their foot in the door, so expect them to come back and push for bans on other species in the future.

The ban makes it illegal to import the listed snakes (burms, anacondas, rock pythons) into the US. It also makes it illegal to cross state lines with one of those snakes. Which is just plain stupid, because now when someone moves out of Florida, they can't bring their Burmese with them, so they are forced to break the law, give it away, kill it, or release it...which is what the problem was in the first place. Although most people state that the burms in the everglades are there because they were released as pets...I'm now hearing that there is good evidence pointing towards a breeding facility that was destroyed in a hurricane as the reason they ended up there.

You can legally have a burmese python as long as you purchase it in the state you live in, and don't transport it across state lines.

[Arcapello]

Because there is a population of Burmese Pythons in the everglades. This is why they were able to pass it. If there was a breeding population of Retics out there, they would have also been banned. Count yourself lucky, the people who push these bans also had boa constrictors and, I believe, ball pythons on the list. They've got their foot in the door, so expect them to come back and push for bans on other species in the future.

The ban makes it illegal to import the listed snakes (burms, anacondas, rock pythons) into the US. It also makes it illegal to cross state lines with one of those snakes. Which is just plain stupid, because now when someone moves out of Florida, they can't bring their Burmese with them, so they are forced to break the law, give it away, kill it, or release it...which is what the problem was in the first place. Although most people state that the burms in the everglades are there because they were released as pets...I'm now hearing that there is good evidence pointing towards a breeding facility that was destroyed in a hurricane as the reason they ended up there.

You can legally have a burmese python as long as you purchase it in the state you live in, and don't transport it across state lines.

Wow, ball pythons? I'm pretty sure there are a lot of people who would be angry about that. Myself included.
And the way I understand it, the breeding facility that was destroyed in the hurricane let a lot of Burms out, but there were a few people who released pets- the pet burms weren't what started the problem, though. They just added to it (mildly).
I don't understand why some people can't just appreciate snakes. I do realize that the everglades are a huge problem, but, let's face it, Florida has a LOT of invasive species. Bull sharks (who can live in salt water or fresh water) have gotten into the canals, there are iguanas (If I heard correctly), and quite a few other exotic animals.
Anyways, sorry for turning this into a debate/conversation. I just like to hear other peoples views.

[johnmauser]

There are exotic iguanas, geckos, anoles, chameleons, etc, and all types of tropical fw fish living in southern florida. All of this stuff could be potential future banned species if we aren't pro-active about it.

[Arcapello]

There are exotic iguanas, geckos, anoles, chameleons, etc, and all types of tropical fw fish living in southern florida. All of this stuff could be potential future banned species if we aren't pro-active about it.

Wow. Are there people who are trying to get the ban removed?

[AZ_Equine]

Wow. Are there people who are trying to get the ban removed?

YES, and a lot of people are donating to USARK because all the money goes to lawyers to help us fight against this and future Bans.

[Arcapello]

YES, and a lot of people are donating to USARK because all the money goes to lawyers to help us fight against this and future Bans.

Glad to know someone's trying to make it right.

[xFenrir]

Tegu's are also a big problem in Florida, if I remember correctly.

I understand that Burms and other invasive species are changing the environment and forcing out native species, but I kind of feel that that's life. Evolution will take its course, and either animals will evolve to adapt to new predators/prey or they will unfortunately be wiped out. Isn't that nature though? It's happened a million times before on Earth, it's just now we think we can do something to stop it.

I mean, look at humans. The single most disruptive and destructive animal on the face of the Earth, but we aren't trying to remove ourselves. We think we belong here more than anything else. :/

I dunno, I feel like since Burms/etc are so settled in, eradicating their population is pretty much impossible.