Inundate US F&W eith e-mail...

[jsschrei]

Start TODAY. Here's the link to their contact page:

http://www.fws.gov/DUSPIT/contactus.htm

I'd point out the following:
1) many boa constrictor subspecies don't get much more than 5'.

2) These species can't survive outside of Florida (I have been citing: Pyron RA, Burbrink FT, Guiher TJ (2008) Claims of Potential Expansion throughout the U.S. by Invasive Python Species Are Contradicted by Ecological
Niche Models. PLoS ONE 3(8): e2931. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0002931) and that there are studies that refute the USGS report.

3) How much interstate transport is important for you- whether you want to buy or sell, indicate how important is is for your hobby or business, and for the reptile GENE POOL for healthy and genetically strong specimens!

I sent mine. I think I'll send e-mails to them EVERY DAY.

[kc261]

I'd point out the following:
1) many boa constrictor subspecies get much more than 5'.

Do you perhaps mean that they DON'T get much more than 5'? I don't know enough about boas to know, but I don't see how pointing out that snakes get big is good for our cause.

[jsschrei]

Typo. Sorry. Don't get much more than 5'. My letter did not say that they do

[kc261]

Edit the first post if you still can, and if not perhaps a mod will do it for you. Last thing we need is people copying it off without thinking and it having a negative impact.

[jsschrei]

How do I edit?

[Nate]

fixed

[jsschrei]

fixed

Thank you, Nate.

Great Avatar!

[minguss]

Thanks for this link, I am going to pass it long .

[Adam_Wysocki]

Everyone is obviously entitled to do what they feel is in their own best interest.

Personally, based on my experience fighting HR669, HR2811, & S373 on Capitol Hill and working with USFWS for the last 10 months, I'd recommend sending one polite, brief email explaining your objections to an injurious listing for each of these species and how an injurious listing would negatively effect you personally. The comment period will be opened up via the Federal Register in a couple of weeks and we'll all have an additional opportunity to provide on the record comments at that time as well.

Unlike politicians, USFWS scientists aren't elected. Thousands of people emailing them every day saying the same thing will not do much to sway their findings one way or the other. I know that PIJAC met with USFWS yesterday and I met with USFWS this morning and they are very open and willing to work with us to find the best possible solution. My concern is that a constant and steady email campaign from people saying the same thing day in and day out will turn them off and unsettle what looks to be a very positive process going forward.

Additionally, this is going to be a LONG process. The comment period alone will be 60 days before they even get started on the work that they will need to do in order to make their final decision.

I'm confident that looking to the leadership provided by PIJAC and USARK on this issue will help to achieve the greatest possible positive result.

I know that everyone wants to do what they can to help, but the battle just took a 180 degree turn and the guys & gals in the trenches are working on adjustments as we speak. Guidance is coming soon and it will be designed to not only get people involved so that they can be heard, but to make sure all of the "behind the scenes" negotiations continue as smoothly as possible.

I will do everything I can to pass the word as I get it.

Hope this helps.

-adam

[Foschi Exotic Serpents]

I believe the campaign should continue but I believe we should all be prepared for the worst.

In case they are completely hell bent on banning the big snakes (burmese, af rocks, etc) then why are we not explaining to them that in the boa world there are many many that do not get big at all?

Sand boas? Are they to be banned?? Rainbow boas? Ground boas? Rosey boas? Thats just rediculas!

Just like in the beginning where they said the entire genus python would be banned, now they are being ignorant to the smaller boas as well.

Sure the ball python people may not be affected by this but when these meetings are taking place I believe the details concerning all the different types of such snakes should also be brought up.

Worst case scenario we may lose some snakes, but we dont have to lose them all. I myself have BCC's and SD Retics. The BCC's will get about as big as a boa can and they may be in danger due to this ban. The SD Retic's on the other hand get no bigger than a large king snake.

I wish they could be much more specific and knowledgeable on this