Just posted

[nixiefee]

I just posted the following on a Florida Fishing and Hunting forum. I don't know if it will do any good, but here is hoping.

Here is what I posted,

[ Exotic snakes are pests in the Everglades area of Florida, that I will agree on, and they need to be culled and removed. They have been let loose to run rampant by irresponsible, uneducated owners that did not realize that they get as large as they do, nor did they care to research them. To learn of the different breeds of these snakes, you can research, look at pictures, and do your studies of them. They are not inherently mean, will not attack out of spite, and are generaly docile (unless provoked or hungry). These snakes are carnivourous and most eat prey around the size of large rabbits. The largest snake on record (not in Florida), is a Reticulated Python, at the length of 33 feet and 300 lbs. A snake that size would eat prey that is around the size of a small goat (at the largest). They CANNOT eat an adult human being, and are NOT known to intentionaly eat humans. The news stories have been sensationalized. The only reason that they would kill a human is in defense of their lives or if they felt threatend.

With all of the cold weather that has been in the country as of late, you will find less and less of these large, tropical snakes. They do not have the instinct to search out warm areas when in these cold temperatures, and if a reptile (in this case, Giant Constrictor type snake), is kept at 40 degrees or less for an extended period of time, they will freeze to death. They do not have the means of keeping themselves warm. IF they DO survive, they will more often than not die from certain nerve dieseaes as they "thaw" out.

I hope everyone stays safe in this hunting season, and that you take great cares to be humane in your hunting ways. I support hunting avidly. Just wanted to give some information on one of the prey items that are on the hunters lists.

Google the following breeds of snakes to find out more information as to habits, habitats, and more, to help inform about the best way to hunt these wonderful creatures.

Burmese Python
Reticulated Python
Green Anaconda
Yellow Anaconda
Nile Monitors

Also, you can look into the Reptile Forums that exist around the web. There are many knowledgable people that will be able to provide insite on these animals ,both in habits and feeding, as well as where they could "spread" to, the type of habitats they needs, etc.

Lobby for responsible ownership, and reptile husbandry education.

Lastly, do not support SR 373. Responsible people in the rest of the country would be hurt by this bill. It is not based on scientific evidence, and will harm the country more than protect it.

Please, hunt the feral snakes, let's take back the Everglades, and then ban anyone from owning a giant snake, until they have had an education course in them (like the hunters safety courses).

Thank you for listening,

Nixiefee ]


I hope it does some good...but I am not counting on it.

Nixie