Florida python hunt

[Derrick13]

I know this will please some and upset otheirs , but I trust U.S.A.R.K. Just got this from them in a e-mail.



This Press release was written by Shawn Heflick and Andrew Wyatt. This morning it was submitted to the Associated Press, Washington Post, The Orlando Sentinel, ABC News and FOX News.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



Pilot Program For Python Hunt



Wilmington, NC July 16, 2009- The United States Association of Reptile Keepers (USARK) supports a bounty on Burmese Pythons. Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has been working very closely with key reptile experts in Florida to develop and implement a pilot program for permitting a select group of 20 Florida reptile experts to participate in a trial program that will allow permitted experts to hunt Burmese Pythons on FWC and South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) areas. All participants must possess a valid Florida Reptiles of Concern permit and meet criteria laid down by FWC. Each Burmese Hunt Permittee will be allowed 5 additional hunters to accompany them into the field. Permitted individuals must carry GPS units and digital cameras, and supply data to FWC within 36 hours of capture. They will also be required to attempt to capture any other non-native species they come across during their hunts and call for permission from land managers into restricted areas before going into the field. Permitted individuals are free to take the specimens or euthanize them on site at their discretion.



FWC has worked very hard to step up and develop this program. They have worked very closely with the Florida Reptile Community in the development of this permit/program, and are eager to be part of the solution to this problem. Florida reptile experts spear-heading this effort with FWC are Shawn K. Heflick, Greg Graziani and Michael Cole.

The United States Association of Reptile Keepers (USARK) supports and applauds this effort by FWC and the Florida Reptile Community in taking concrete pragmatic steps in addressing the issue of feral Burmese Pythons in South Florida. USARK supports Senator Bill Nelson’s call for the US Dept. of Interior to open federal land where the epicenter of the population resides and is encouraging that this pilot program be considered as a model for a Federal Bounty Program. In a letter dated June 17, 2009 to Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar USARK pledged $10,000 to this proposal.

USARK President Andrew Wyatt added, “It is time all interested stakeholders work together to address this issue. The reptile community has been unjustly cast as the villain being accused as the source of the introduction of Burmese Pythons, when a genetics study commissioned by SFWD points away from this likelihood. We are not the source, but we want to be part of the solution; and we are putting our money where our mouth is. We have more expertise with Burmese Pythons than all other stakeholders combined and now we are bringing this expertise to bear in addressing this problem in South Florida.”

USARK is a science and education based advocacy for the responsible private ownership of, and trade in reptiles. We endorse caging standards, sound husbandry, escape prevention protocols, and an integrated approach to vital conservation issues. Our goal is to facilitate cooperation between government agencies, the scientific community, and the private sector in order to produce policy proposals that will effectively address important husbandry and conservation issues. The health of these animals, public safety, and maintaining ecological integrity are our primary concerns

[ctrlfreq]

I had actually been wondering how long it was going to take before we started orchestrated culling of wild non-indigenous species. Regardless of how much we admire these animals, there is no excuse for letting them proliferate in the wild, and wreaking havoc on both the native species and the already delicate ecosystem.

[lillyorchid]

Glad that something is finally being done about the wild ones that are ruining the lands. I think this should have been done years ago.

[sg1trogdor]

Although it saddens me I feel it needs to be done. Granted we will "never" get all of the wild ones thinning them out can't hurt and maybe it will get the legislators off our backs and give them something to do for a while. But I think any babies found be given to petshops to be given a chance. exquisite adult specimens should be donated to zoos or something. I just feel that if there is some place they can live out their lives then they should be given the chance to do soo.

[Tyler_Royality]

The Experts in the industry are behind this, and we need to all be supportive imo.

[wilomn]

Although it saddens me I feel it needs to be done. Granted we will "never" get all of the wild ones thinning them out can't hurt and maybe it will get the legislators off our backs and give them something to do for a while. But I think any babies found be given to petshops to be given a chance. exquisite adult specimens should be donated to zoos or something. I just feel that if there is some place they can live out their lives then they should be given the chance to do soo.

Not to shoot you down, but I bet you've never seen a fresh from the wild 15 foot burm.

They are NOTHING like the big fat 15 foot babies you see in captivity.

Zoos won't want them because there are plenty available now that are already healthy and tame. Too many.

Babies for pet stores would simply put more babies of questionable health and not nearly the friendly temperaments of captives back into the already flooded market.

Your ideas are good ones, but not practical ones.

[sg1trogdor]

Not to shoot you down, but I bet you've never seen a fresh from the wild 15 foot burm.

They are NOTHING like the big fat 15 foot babies you see in captivity.

Zoos won't want them because there are plenty available now that are already healthy and tame. Too many.

Babies for pet stores would simply put more babies of questionable health and not nearly the friendly temperaments of captives back into the already flooded market.

Your ideas are good ones, but not practical ones.

Yeah I guess I didn't think of it like that. Oh well. Can't win em all.

[Qetu]

USARK might have just saved our tails. im glad they jumped in and offered a helping hand and took a step forward with taking care of this problem. i hope after all this is dealt with that our lil babies are still safe with us. i also think that there should be a ban on importation of the burmese... just let the breeders produce our pets... maybe even balls for that matter.
my

[Mike Cavanaugh]

kill em all. that is what I say. speaking of the wild ones in south florida.

It sounds HORRIBLE and I know that. But honestly and truly, I thing that us having that "official stance" is the only thing that can possibly save our hobby at this point.

Think about it.

[Corvid]

I agree with you Mike.
It's sad that animals, the very ones that someone chose to have in captivity have to die. But it must be done.

Remove the pythons from the wild, and remove the ammo they have on us to take away OUR reptiles......... This could be a good thing.