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

[Larry Suttles]

I will do my part in sending in as many letters as possible as well as hounding my congressman I'm sure that can't hurt..lol

[rabernet]

I will do my part in sending in as many letters as possible as well as hounding my congressman I'm sure that can't hurt..lol

Larry, what about a show about this? Finding someone who knows this proposal well and can speak on it and emphasize that responses need to be professional in order to help prevent this?

[BMorrison]

I'm hoping this thing goes no where. After all it's just an inquiry, I imagine getting something passed after everyone turns in their letters and whatnot would be way to much of a struggle. Hoping for the best and mailing my letter.

[dalvers63]

An online petition has been created: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/boasandpythonsban/

I agree, however, that it might be better if we gather our data and write our letters or comment on their site. Remember, they are leaving this open for us... they are giving us an opportunity to prove to them why this would not be a good thing for the community or the economy. They want DATA. So let's give it to them!

Yes, please spend your time writing comments on the actual comment site and not on the petition. You will get further and be heard more there than on the other.

Again, keep in mind that this is nowhere NEAR being made a law. This is just the fact-finding, very beginning inquiry which is why the submittal is so broad in listing all boas and pythons. Once some actual research is done and knowledgeable people are involved you will most likely see this restriction very limited.

Also, they are NOT looking to take away anyone's pets. They are only working on limiting transportation (which is what the Lacey Act is all about). While this is still a big issue, please try and tone down the hysteria of "OMG!!! They're going to take away my snake!!!". Even if the submittal became a law, as it is now it would just mean that you wouldn't be able to ship the named snakes across state lines. Definitely a big issue and one that needs smart, articulate people to comment on and get their voices heard. I know we have a lot of people on this board and in the reptile community that hopefully will come forward with their knowledge and information to get this done right.

[Tim Marek]

I am so glad this group exists and someone was on the ball spreading the word before I was informed...

I am in the process of telling everyone I know and spreading the word any way I can.

Our two ball pythons, Flash and Roses , are like our children. When they were threatened by stupidity, I got very angry and started typing. That was 4 hours ago, and I am not done yet.

Has everyone contacted their elected officials yet? How about their local TV station and offered to show on the evening News just how stupid this proposal is?

Don't take for granted this will just go away... WE ALL NEED TO BE VISIBLE AND VOCAL....

I look forward to putting this stupidity to bed and getting back to talking about important issues, like eating habits, etc....

All the best from Nevada

Tim and Rosie (and Flash and Roses)

[Gary Orner]

OK the more research I have done I have found some bright spots.

This is not a bill. This is just a Proposed statement. The vet breeders should remember back in 2001 when the National Human society tried to ban all reptile keeping all together. It did not even make it past the proposed state.

We do need to keep together and be smart but this is not a bill trying to be passed.

We need to stay focused on this as this will not go through as it is stated. It will be changed. I think what they are looking for is a final bill to shut down importing. The rest is just fluff to keep us off the main focus.

I put a call into a few DNR agents I know. I KNOW I KNOW the enemy. But they have helped me in the past when others have said things about me and hots.

But this is at the very beginning stages. This is nto the first time it has been tried. Just be smart about it and be calm. It should not pass. Do not send letters saying you should ban this but not that. Like

You should ban large snakes in florida but the rest of the country is fine. THEY WILL USE THIS. They will use the part of you saying ban large snakes in florida.. Stick to facts. and support the hobby as a whole.

I will post more info as I get it. But I think the main focus is the importing of large snakes. Where are 85% of large snakes imported to? FLORIDA...................

[kimmys_balls]

In my surfing this a.m I found a post from someone kind enough to share information on what needs to be done by us to prevent this from happening. If you belong to other forums PLEASE CROSS POST!
Consider this your homework assignment. Break out your pen and paper or drink a Monster, hit your keyboard and start composing your response ensuring you answer each and every question they require. Here is the actual proposal and what they want to hear!

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 16

[FWS-R9-FHC-2008-0015; 94410-1342-0000-N3]
RIN 1018-AV68


Injurious Wildlife Species; Review of Information Concerning
Constrictor Snakes From Python, Boa, and Eunectes genera

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of inquiry.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or We), are
reviewing available biological and economic information on constrictor
snakes in the Python, Boa and Eunectes genera for possible addition to
the list of injurious wildlife under the Lacey Act. The importation and
introduction of constrictor snakes into the natural ecosystems of the
United States may

[[Page 5785]]

pose a threat to the interests of agriculture, horticulture, forestry;
to the health and welfare of human beings; and to the welfare and
survival of wildlife and wildlife resources in the United States. An
injurious wildlife listing would prohibit the importation into, or
transportation between, States, the District of Columbia, the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any territory or possession of the
United States by any means, without a permit. Permits may be issued for
scientific, medical, educational, or zoological purposes. This document
seeks comments from the public to aid in determining if a proposed rule
is warranted.

DATES: We will accept comments received or postmarked on or before
April 30, 2008.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by one of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
U.S. mail or hand-delivery: Public Comments Processing,
Attn: RIN 1018-AV68, Division of Policy and Directives Management, U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 222,
Arlington, VA 22203.
Instructions: We will not accept e-mail or faxes. We will post all
comments on http://www.regulations.gov. This generally means that we
will post any personal information you provide us (see the Public
Comments section below for more information).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Erin Williams, Branch of Invasive
Species at (703) 358-2034 or erin_williams@fws.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On September 21, 2006, we received a
petition from the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD)
requesting that Burmese pythons be considered for inclusion in the
injurious wildlife regulations pursuant to the Lacey Act (18 U.S.C.
42). SFWMD is concerned about the number of Burmese pythons found in
Florida, particularly in the Everglades National Park. We are looking
at obtaining information on constrictor species in the Python, Boa and
Eunectes genera for possible addition to the injurious wildlife list
under the Lacey Act.
The regulations contained in 50 CFR part 16 implement the Lacey
Act, as amended. Under the terms of the injurious wildlife provisions
of the Lacey Act, the Secretary of the Interior is authorized to
prohibit the importation and interstate transportation of species
designated by the Secretary as injurious. Injurious wildlife are those
species, offspring, and eggs that are injurious or potentially
injurious to wildlife and wildlife resources, to human beings, and to
the interests of forestry, horticulture, or agriculture of the United
States. Wild mammals, wild birds, fish, mollusks, crustaceans,
amphibians, and reptiles are the only organisms that can be added to
the injurious wildlife list. The lists of injurious wildlife are at 50
CFR 16.11-16.15. If the process initiated by this notice results in the
addition of a species to the list of injurious wildlife contained in 50
CFR part 16, their importation into or transportation between States,
the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any
territory or possession of the United States would be prohibited,
except by permit for zoological, educational, medical, or scientific
purposes (in accordance with permit regulations at 50 CFR 16.22), or by
Federal agencies without a permit solely for their own use.

Public Comments

This notice of inquiry solicits biological, economic, or other data
on adding species in the Python, Boa and Eunectes genera to the list of
injurious wildlife. This information, along with other sources of data,
will be used to determine if these species are a threat, or potential
threat, to those interests of the United States delineated above, and
thus warrant addition to the list of injurious reptiles in 50 CFR
16.15.
You may submit your comments and materials concerning this notice
of inquiry by one of the methods listed in the ADDRESSES section. We
will not accept comments sent by e-mail or fax or to an address not
listed in the ADDRESSES section. We will not accept anonymous comments;
your comment must include your first and last name, city, State,
country, and postal (zip) code. Finally, we will not consider hand-
delivered comments that we do not receive, or mailed comments that are
not postmarked, by the date specified in the DATES section.
We will post your entire comment--including your personal
identifying information--on http://www.regulations.gov. If you provide
personal identifying information in addition to the required items
specified in the previous paragraph, such as your street address, phone
number, or e-mail address, you may request at the top of your document
that we withhold this information from public review. However, we
cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
Comments and materials we receive, as well as supporting
documentation we used in preparing this notice of inquiry, will be
available for public inspection on http://www.regulations.gov, or by
appointment, during normal business hours, at the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, 4401 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203.
We are soliciting public comments and supporting data to gain
additional information and specifically seek comment on the following
questions:
(1) What regulations does your State have pertaining to the use,
transport, or production of Python, Boa and Eunectes genera?
(2) How many species in the Python, Boa and Eunectes genera are
currently in production for wholesale or retail sale, and in how many
and which States?
(3) How many businesses sell Python, Boa or Eunectes species?
(4) How many businesses breed Python, Boa or Eunectes species?
(5) What are the annual sales for Python, Boa or Eunectes species?
(6) Please provide the number of Python, Boa or Eunectes species,
if any, permitted within each State.
(7) What would it cost to eradicate Python, Boa or Eunectes
individuals or populations, or similar species, if found?
(8) What are the costs of implementing propagation, recovery, and
restoration programs for native species that are affected by Python,
Boa or Eunectes species, or similar snake species?
(9) What State-listed species would be impacted by the introduction
of Python, Boa or Eunectes species?
(10) What species have been impacted, and how, by Python, Boa or
Eunectes species?

Dated: January 11, 2008.
Lyle Laverty,
Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
[FR Doc. E8-1770 Filed 1-30-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P

~*~ Kim

[Gary Orner]

Listen to Brian's Cast guys.

http://thereptileroom.org/forum/inde...opic=12445&hl=

[Hardwikk]

Are Rosy Boas included? What's the use of proposing this ban!?

[Nate]

I don't quite understand how ball pythons have been lumped into this. What grounds to they have to say that ball pythons, and other small pythons/boas are a threat to the environment?

I realize that there are quite a few animals out there that do pose risks to the environment and even humans, but I just don't understand how smaller reptiles are suddenly targeted as a danger and threat to the wild...

Is there any significant proof of people releasing ball pythons and it causing a problem? anywhere?