Kiss your hobby goodbye!!!! USFW Proposed ban!!!!

[J.Bissell]

I spend most of my posting time over at freedom reptiles, but decided to come over here and comment on this:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...0223111456.htm

This is one of the articles about the USGS survey deal... I wrote the editorial staff and the site this response:

I am writing in regards to the article 'Python Snakes, An Invasive Species In Florida, Could Spread To One Third Of US'. This article is borderline fear mongering, and some fact checking is an order. Almost all of the species in question require quite warm weather year around, just one or two freezing nights WILL kill them. The given area may support these snakes most of the year, but they won't make it through winter in nearly all of the given zones. Even with the climate warming there will still be sufficiently cold periods to kill almost all snakes in question. If you are going to write an article about this issue, please give a balanced view. Do a little research.

Also, I believe pollution, urbanization and development, and hunting from native species are more dangerous to those endangered species than several hundred newly introduced snakes. Don't shift blame from the real causes of endangerment, to a scapegoat that is an easy target because people have, often times, baseless fears about.

Yet another point. The map cited was made by the USGS, a geological survey. This doesn't seem a credible source to make sweeping statements about the suitability of the environment for exotic species. Maybe a couple herpetology experts, or reptile keepers would be good sources for climate suitability?

All that being said, I realize much of this is quotation from other sources and not your direct opinion. Even so you can present the other side of the story instead of just taking just one side and running with it.

There is a large community of reptile keepers that are upset about the biased views that have been presented on this subject. It would go a long way toward mending your standing with this community if you would present a new article offering both sides of the story. I would even be willing to write an article on the subject for you

I would love to hear from you all about your position on this matter.

Thank you,
Joshua R. Bissell

We'll see if they do anything... Are there any other media sources I can contact and offer them some info? These are the things we need to confront, all issues are tried in the media. People react when they see '250 lb killer coming to you neighborhood', so we need to make our voices heard in the media, not just by the powers that be. Also, are there any updates on what's happening with this whole issue?