Here we go again

[ER12]

Rooney Introduces Bill to Protect Everglades, Communities from Dangerous Imported Snakes

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney (FL-16) today introduced legislation to protect the Everglades and surrounding communities from dangerous, imported snakes like African rock pythons and boa constrictors. Rooney's bill would restrict the importation of specific breeds of snakes, which continue to cause extensive damage to the Everglades, into the United States.

"Banning the importation of these dangerous snakes is critical to the survival of the Everglades and the surrounding ecosystems," said Rooney. "These invasive predators are causing severe damage to our native wildlife, and they need to be eradicated.

"People buy these snakes as pets, but as they grow larger and more threatening, many owners soon realize that they cannot care for them safely, and they release them into the wild. Unfortunately, our ecosystems cannot accommodate these massive predators, and our native wildlife suffers."

Over the last decade, tens of thousands of Burmese Pythons were imported into the United States. To date, approximately 1,000 Burmese Pythons have been removed from the Everglades. Recently, Vero Beach Police Animal Control Officers captured a seven-foot-long boa constrictor in a resident's back yard.

Rooney's bill would add the following species of snakes to the "Lacey Act," effectively banning them from importation into the United States: Burmese python, northern African python, southern African python, reticulated python, green anaconda, yellow anaconda, Beni or Bolivian python, DeSchauensee's anaconda, and boa constrictor.
http://www.thestatecolumn.com/state_...ported-snakes/

[mommanessy247]

it was only a matter of time before they tried a python ban again...wait...arent there already wild anacondas in florida?

[kitedemon]

Is this the ban only on imported wild caught snakes?

[ER12]

Is this the ban only on imported wild caught snakes?

Kitedemon- As HR 511 seeks to, once again, add the 9 species to the injurious wildlife list of the "Lacey Act", importation, as well as all interstate commerce/transport would be made a felony as was in S373/HR2811.

[kitedemon]

"Banning the importation of these dangerous snakes is critical to the survival of the Everglades and the surrounding ecosystems," said Rooney.

Rooney's bill would add the following species of snakes to the "Lacey Act," effectively banning them from importation into the United States:

Ahh I didn't read the act just your post, this is what I saw and thought that perhaps they grew a touch of sense... How silly of me to think so. I am a Canadian so I pay attention but it isn't a direct effect. We have very silly laws too there is a local region where poisonous snakes are banned... I don't think there are any poisonous snakes, venomous for sure but... Not what was intended but that is how it is written.

I am in full support of the efforts of USARK. Hopefully the same won't happen here...

Alex

[llovelace]

"These invasive predators are causing severe damage to our native wildlife, and they need to be eradicated".

Based on what?

[Clear]

"These invasive predators are causing severe damage to our native wildlife, and they need to be eradicated".

Based on what?

Based on their own opinion and fear of reptiles.

[jjmitchell]

Guys I hate this as much as all of you do.... But honestly did you think they were just gonna walk away and say okay.... you win.......I hate to say it but this will be just like breed selective legislation with dogs... It will be an on going battle from now on, and If it fails to pass federally then stay tuned they will do their best to do it on a state, county, or even city basis..... Dont let your guard down THIS WILL NOT GO AWAY