Ball-Pythons.net Forums https://ball-pythons.net/forums/ Ball python care and information as well as community driven content covering all manner of reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates - from boas to ball and blood pythons to bearded dragons and brachys. Have questions? We have answers! Come join our unique community and create your own photo gallery, compete in monthly contests, classifieds, calendared events and so much more. Got balls? We got you covered! en Thu, 08 Oct 2026 06:23:34 GMT vBulletin 60 https://ball-pythons.net/forums/images/themes/default/misc/rss.png Ball-Pythons.net Forums https://ball-pythons.net/forums/ <![CDATA[August and September Recap (+ USARK updates & alerts)]]> https://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?273330-August-and-September-Recap-(-USARK-updates-amp-alerts)&goto=newpost Wed, 07 Oct 2026 20:02:04 GMT
September 7th was Labor Day.
September 8th was National Iguana Awareness Day.
Artwork by Adeline Robinson Art.
August & September Recap

The end of summer was sweltering, but we still managed to hit D.C., shows, and conferences while working on legislative issues. Plus, Vanessa C. visited Snake Discovery!
SuperZoo
SuperZoo in Las Vegas displays the latest in pet products and draws an international crowd.
SuperZoo critters!
Dr. Micah Kohles and Phil showing off their socks before a talk.
From left: Mark Dunn of the World Pet Association, Sandy Moore from the Pet Advocacy Network, Vanessa Costanzo from USARK, Art Parola from USARK and USAQUA, and Phil Goss of USARK
Obligatory "Phil found a dog" picture.
HABRI D.C. Fly-In

Vanessa G., Vanessa C., and Art attended an advocacy day in D.C., hosted by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute and supported by the Pet Advocacy Network. They met with legislators and capped it off with Pet Night on Capitol Hill.
Pictured from the top left:
1. Kirbay Preuss of Preuss Pets and Art Parola.
2. Vanessa Gagne and Vanessa Costanzo.
3. Art Parola, Vanessa Gagne representing multiple organizations, and Lauren Calmet of the Pet Advocacy Network.
Daytona National Reptile Breeders' Expo
Daytona auction shenanigans!
(This didn't all fit in one post...continued below) ]]> Bogertophis https://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?273330-August-and-September-Recap-(-USARK-updates-amp-alerts) August and September Recap (USARK alerts also) https://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?273329-August-and-September-Recap-(USARK-alerts-also)&goto=newpost Wed, 07 Oct 2026 19:46:09 GMT
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September 7th was Labor Day.
September 8th was National Iguana Awareness Day.
Artwork by Adeline Robinson Art.
August & September Recap

The end of summer was sweltering, but we still managed to hit D.C., shows, and conferences while working on legislative issues. Plus, Vanessa C. visited Snake Discovery!
SuperZoo
SuperZoo in Las Vegas displays the latest in pet products and draws an international crowd.
SuperZoo critters!
Dr. Micah Kohles and Phil showing off their socks before a talk.
From left: Mark Dunn of the World Pet Association, Sandy Moore from the Pet Advocacy Network, Vanessa Costanzo from USARK, Art Parola from USARK and USAQUA, and Phil Goss of USARK
Obligatory "Phil found a dog" picture.
HABRI D.C. Fly-In

Vanessa G., Vanessa C., and Art attended an advocacy day in D.C., hosted by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute and supported by the Pet Advocacy Network. They met with legislators and capped it off with Pet Night on Capitol Hill.
Pictured from the top left:
1. Kirbay Preuss of Preuss Pets and Art Parola.
2. Vanessa Gagne and Vanessa Costanzo.
3. Art Parola, Vanessa Gagne representing multiple organizations, and Lauren Calmet of the Pet Advocacy Network.
Daytona National Reptile Breeders' Expo
Daytona auction shenanigans!
]]> Bogertophis https://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?273329-August-and-September-Recap-(USARK-alerts-also) Rattlesnake round-ups https://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?273328-Rattlesnake-round-ups&goto=newpost Tue, 06 Oct 2026 15:34:00 GMT Saw this on FB a few days ago & meant to post, better late than never, eh? Don't fall for the lies...some species already warrant protection, & NONE of them deserve to be cruelly slaughtered for amusement, which is what round-ups really are. And "fund-raising" is no darn excuse for it! :snake:
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The Snake Anti-Defamation League's Post on rattlesnake round-ups:


Ed Taoka


Rattlesnake Genocide and Human Ignorance. (Colourised 2026)

MYTH: Roundups are needed to keep rattlesnake populations in check.
FACT: Science does not support claims that roundups are required to prevent rattlesnake overpopulation. Like other wild animals with natural predators, snake populations are maintained by prey abundance and levels of predation and disease.

MYTH: Roundups do not have a negative impact on rattlesnake populations.
FACT: There are no data or studies to support this claim; unlike traditional game hunting, there is no monitoring or reporting to regulate this slaughter of snakes. Anecdotally, many hunters assert they have to go farther every year to find snakes.

MYTH: We need venom collected at roundups to make life-saving antivenom.
FACT: Most antivenom is produced from venom collected from captive colonies of rattlesnakes. Unsanitary conditions at roundups make their venom unsuitable for reputable medical companies.

MYTH: Without roundups, livestock loss from rattlesnakes would put ranchers out of business.
FACT: The USDA’s Cattle Death Loss report has logged no deaths from snakes in more than two decades. Anecdotally, ranchers report that snakes are not a threat to livestock, who usually recover from snakebites, even without treatment.

MYTH: Police would be too busy answering snake calls to do real police work without roundups.
FACT: Arizona has the most rattlesnakes species than any other state in the US and no rattlesnake roundups. The police spend very little of their time managing rattlesnakes.

MYTH: Roundups are focused on education and safety.
FACT: Roundup presentations are laden with myth and demonstrate unsafe handling techniques and showmanship. The safest way to behave in rattlesnake habitat is to respect the snakes, keep your distance, and watch where you put your hands and feet — none of which is discussed or demonstrated at roundups.

MYTH: Rattlesnakes are dangerous vermin and people cannot coexist with them.
FACT: Rattlesnakes are shy, gentle creatures that want nothing to do with us. There are fewer than five deaths in the US from snakebites annually, including people who refuse treatment. Most snake bites happen when people handle, approach, or try to kill the snake. Respect snakes, keep your distance, and watch where you put your hands and feet — this would prevent virtually ALL snakebites.







 ]]> Venomous Animals Bogertophis https://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?273328-Rattlesnake-round-ups Super Show Anaheim! (plus alerts- USARK) https://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?273327-Super-Show-Anaheim!-(plus-alerts-USARK)&goto=newpost Tue, 29 Sep 2026 04:53:04 GMT
View this email in your browser
Reptile Super Show Anaheim
Reptiles, amphibians, plants, supplies, and more! Come see it all at the Reptile Super Show this weekend. Thank you to Ramy and the Super Show crew for their continued USARK and herp community support.

The USARK benefit auction opens Saturday night at 5:00 p.m., right after the show, with the live auction starting at 6:00. Come support our work to protect your freedom to have reptiles and amphibians as pets.

The auction is FREE, and everyone is welcome. We appreciate everyone who donates and attends, as USARK would not be possible without these auctions and our supporters.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! We always need volunteers at shows. Please email vanessa@usark.org if you want to help. Thank you!
Get full show details at www.reptilesupershow.com/anaheim-ca/.

"The Reptile Super Show is meant to educate the public about pets they may otherwise never get the chance to know, but we are also passionate about captive breeding and keeping the populations of some of the world’s most interesting creatures alive and well. Educational, fun, and no doubt exciting, the Reptile Super Show is something everyone should visit at least once. If you’re not a reptile fan when you arrive, we promise you that you will leave as one."
October 3-4
Saturday: 10 am-5 pm
Super Show After Party and USARK Fundraiser: 5:00 pm (at the Convention Center)
Sunday: 11 am-5 pm

Anaheim Convention Center
800 West Katella Avenue
Anaheim, CA 92802

ALERT: Maryland Herp Regulations
Alert on website at https://usark.org/26md/.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) has been working on changes to the state’s herp regulations. MDNR staff has already presented one proposal at several meetings to ban the possession of all native Maryland herps, including captive-bred animals. There is no timeline yet, but a formal proposal is expected to happen at any time. All Maryland stakeholders are encouraged to join the Maryland Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Charitable Trust (MAARC) Facebook group for updates. You can request to join the group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1971574380136788/. MDNR already regulates the possession, breeding, and sale of native herps through permits and licenses. Many species are protected and not allowed to be possessed.The Maryland Herp Club (previously called the Maryland Herpetological Society) provided MDNR’s herpetologist with a 25-page set of recommendations and regulatory changes that agree to some amendments to Maryland’s herp regulations, but not a broad-sweeping ban. The Herp Club’s recommendations rejected the possession ban on all Maryland native species and provided evidence to discredit the biased reasoning behind the proposed bans.
ALERT: Diamondback Terrapin ESA Listing
More information at https://usark.org/26esa2/.

UPDATE July 14, 2026: Comments may be submitted by clicking “SUBMIT A PUBLIC COMMENT” at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/14/2026-14098/endangered-and-threatened-wildlife-and-plants-90-day-findings-for-10-species.

July 13, 2026: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) will post a notice in the Federal Register tomorrow (July 14) at(LINK ABOVE). The notice contains the 90-day findings for 10 species, including the Diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin), which are proposed for listing under the Endangered Species Act. This is separate from the NOAA alert we posted regarding this species. FWS has concluded that the submitted petition presents substantial information indicating that listing the diamondback terrapin as a threatened or endangered species may be warranted.
USARK is collecting information from breeders, keepers, and dealers concerning captive population numbers and production. Please email us at info@usark.org if you work with Diamondback terrapins.
Read the document at https://usark.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/26-diamonback-terrapin-90-day-findings.pdf.
ALERT: California Rattlesnakes

UPDATE: The Commission has posted a Notice of Proposed Change regarding rattlesnakes. Comment deadline: December 3, 2026. By email to FGC@fgc.ca.gov. Written comments to Fish and Game Commission, PO Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090.
Two hearings are scheduled: California Natural Resources Building, 715 P Street, Sacramento, California, on October 13-15, 2026, and East End Complex Auditorium, 1500 Capitol Ave., Sacramento, CA 95814, on December 15-16, 2026.
The California Fish and Game Commission will discuss regulations on commercial use and possession of native rattlesnakes. This would include rattlesnake-avoidance training for dogs (which is a popular course), educational outreach programs, as well as all other businesses and possession.

More details athttps://usark.org/26ca/.
Two important notes for members and merchandise shoppers

1. Renewal memberships require a follow-up email from you to receive your shirt(s);
2. PLEASE update your mailing addresses for all payment methods (credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, PayPal, etc.).
Read below for reasons.

1. After you renew your USARK membership, you will receive an email with instructions for getting your shirt. Many members do not read this email, or it may end up in a SPAM folder. Unfortunately, we have had many issues with members failing to update their accounts, resulting in shirts being shipped to outdated addresses. After renewing your membership, simply follow the instructions in the email with the subject line "OPEN if you renewed your membership!" If you are a renewing member with questions, email us at info@usark.org.

2. For any online payment method you use, be sure to update your mailing address if you move. These online payment methods often autofill your address, which may be obsolete. Many customers who visit our shop have not noticed this autofill and get upset with us when their shipments go to the wrong address, even though the wrong address was entered with their order. Be sure your address is correct for any orders with us or any other online purchase.

Thank you to all members and USARK merchandise buyers for your support and understanding.
Find A VetNeed a good herp veterinarian? The Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV) can help. ARAV provides a free Find-A-Vet service at http://arav.site-ym.com/search/custom.asp?id=3661.
Copyright © 2026 USARK, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website.

Our mailing address is:
USARK3650 Sacramento Dr
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
]]> Bogertophis https://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?273327-Super-Show-Anaheim!-(plus-alerts-USARK) Soaking before shed? https://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?273326-Soaking-before-shed&goto=newpost Mon, 21 Sep 2026 16:49:59 GMT Hi all, I’ve had my male BP for about 3 months. He’s approximately a year and a half old. It seems like he’s really gotten settled in. He’s been eating f/t small rats well, he handles well, he’ll occasionally explore at night, he’s on the smaller side still so he’s in a 36*19*12” pvc wilbanks... Hi all, I’ve had my male BP for about 3 months. He’s approximately a year and a half old. It seems like he’s really gotten settled in. He’s been eating f/t small rats well, he handles well, he’ll occasionally explore at night, he’s on the smaller side still so he’s in a 36*19*12” pvc wilbanks enclosure with a RHP, he has belly heat supplement that is on a thermostat… it’s low and covered in 4” of substrate… I check the temp regularly. His enclosure features live snake plants, blue grama grass, magnolia leaves and Wilbanks coco husk substrate and some reptisoil mixed in around the plants. He has sphagnum moss and aspen in his hides. There is an active white springtail colony in the enclosure. All his husbandry numbers are in tolerance. Typically 88 degrees and 65% humidity hot side, 78 degrees and 75% humidity cool side. I use two thermostats/hydrometers on both sides… Govee and INKBIRD, so I’m confident in the numbers.
He had a good shed three weeks after we got him. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to see the lead up to the shed. We had a family emergency and had to go out of town for 6 days. Came back and there was a shed in the enclosure. We didn’t see any signs of him needing to shed before that… but he was petty shy and secretive the first month we had him.

Two nights ago I saw him soaking in his water dish. He was in there about an hour. I didn’t disturb him and let him do his thing. Last night I got him out and checked him all over. No mites on him or in the water dish. His belly is slightly pinkish uniformly. I’ve read that’s a sign of preshed. I use an instant read heat gun, and there has been no temp in his enclosure that should be able to cause a burn, so I’m thinking the pink is due to preshed. No other scale abnormalities and he’s not wrinkly. He always has water and I see him drink from time to time. I didn’t get to see him last shed, so I’m not sure if soaking is normal for him or not. After I got him out last night he went back into his hide for a bit then went into his water dish again for another hour or so. Checked the dish again this morning, and again no snake mites. I can’t imagine the springtails would be bothering him to the point he’d need to soak… they shouldn’t be bothering him at all. I did bump his humidity up to 75% warm side and 80% cool side. I pour water in the corners of the enclosure on the plants so the top layer of substrate is never damp. I think I’ll add a temporary humid hide with damp sphagnum moss.

Questions:
Given all that info, what do you think about the soaking? Preshed activity or something else?
Does anyone else’s BP do this? If so, how long until they blue up and shed?
I was planning on feeding him tomorrow night, but I may skip a week… it depends on how long preshed usually goes for. What would you do? ]]> BP Husbandry Areed https://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?273326-Soaking-before-shed <![CDATA[Georgia's Protected Species List: Public Comments Open!]]> https://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?273325-Georgia-s-Protected-Species-List-Public-Comments-Open!&goto=newpost Sun, 20 Sep 2026 03:29:38 GMT > > (you can just copy the statement below & email it) thanks :snake2: ...]]> DEADLINE: Sunday, September 20 Please take just a few minutes to voice your support > > > (you can just copy the statement below & email it) thanks :snake2:

https://www.savethebuzztails.org/sin...n-for-snakes&&

Georgia's Protected Species List: Public Comments Open!



The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is proposing updates to the state's protected species list which would include the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) as a state-listed threatened species.


State listing prohibits intentionally harming protected animals and removing plants from state lands without a permit or from private land without the landowner’s permission. It also encourages voluntary conservation to protect habitats, focuses DNR efforts to prevent species from declining to the point they need protection under the U.S. Endangered Species Act and authorizes the agency to work with federally listed wildlife. You can read more about the proposed updates here.



Back in June, our organization submitted a formal nomination requesting that the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) be evaluated for state listing. Now, we invite you to join us in speaking for the wild! Read our full nomination and reference documents below, and submit your own public comments by sending an email to wcscomments@dnr.ga.gov with the subject line Protected Species List.Not sure where to start? Feel free to copy and paste our statement:


I am writing to express my strong support of including the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake for state listing under Georgia's Endangered Wildlife Act. This nomination represents an important yet fleeting opportunity to protect an imperiled species and preserve an irreplaceable piece of our natural heritage. The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is one of the great icons of the United States Southeastern Coastal Plain, as much a part of this landscape as the longleaf pines, wiregrass, and gopher tortoises. Its presence speaks to the health, natural history, and enduring wildness of our region. I stand with organizations like The Rattlesnake Conservancy and many others in speaking for the wild, and I urge the division to provide this animal with the meaningful protections that it warrants













6-29-26 - Eastern Diamondback Listing Nomination.pdf
Download PDF • 767KB


















 ]]> Venomous Animals Bogertophis https://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?273325-Georgia-s-Protected-Species-List-Public-Comments-Open!