Florida's Fighting Back: Possible Federal Ban of Nine Exotic Snake Species
Federal Ban
The federal government and state officials believe that a ban may help control the rapid expansion of these dangerous snakes, while deterring others from buying them as pets and eventually releasing them into the wild. In addition, this new bill will try to declare hunting season on these non-native species on giant constrictors. According to Morgan (2009), the federal government will propose a ban to stop the import and trading of nine species of giant exotic snake species in Florida. This bill is also designed to protect the general public, as well as curb the current invasion plaguing the endangered swamp land and its native endangered wildlife.
Types of Snakes
At this point Florida law ask exotic snake owners to microchip their pet, plus pay a fine for any five types of snakes that have already been classified as a public threat to residents or the environment. According to Morgan, (2009), nine species will be added to the injurious snake species list, because these giant snakes carry diseases and may pose a public threat as well as a threat to all of Florida's native wildlife. In addition, these types of dangerous type of constrictors will be banned from being imported or traded inside the sunshine state. Here is a list of the giant constrictors that will be banned, once the bill is implemented by the federal government and state officials.
• Burmese python
• Northern African python
• Southern African python
• Reticulated python
• Boa constrictor
• Green anaconda
• Yellow anaconda
• Bolivian anaconda
• DeSchauensee's anaconda
Hunting Pythons
Currently, it is legal for a licensed hunter to kill any and all pythons that they may see, in order to avoid the possibility of it breeding or growing in the wild except in the Florida Everglades. Many of the details are being ironed out by state officials, but the new bill will propose creating a two month-period the will be set aside for hunting these giant constrictors. According to Morgan (2009), biologists advise hunters not to eat the snake's meat because it contains high concentrations of the poison called mercury. Furthermore, the state officials are asking the new hunters to consider the possibility of selling the snake's skin for use in making certain shoes, boots and other items.
Opposition Speaks
Many believe that hunting these snakes will not help to control the population explosion, but so far several permits have been issued to study or hunt these exotic giant constrictors. According to Gorman, (2009), the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission want to help snake owners by holding a Pet Amnesty event, which will allow these pet owners to turn in their snakes that they may no longer want. Fortunately, during this event, "several hundred snakes" were turned in and this "stopped" these snakes from being "released into the wild" or killed in the future. In addition, some people state that this federal ban does not address the actual issue that Florida is facing; instead it could cause the trade to "go underground".
Conclusion
Florida officials have begun pushing a federal bill to ban, in order to stop the nightmare South Florida is facing by banning the imports of several types of giant snakes or constrictors. Additionally, the new bill will consider allowing licensed hunters to kill these exotic snakes and sell their skins to those that will use them for commercial purposes. No matter the outcome of this new ban of bill, the general public and its delicate ecosystem will be in danger until something is done to stop the population explosion. However, not everyone agrees that this ban will help stop the current invasion; instead they believe that it will punish the responsible pet owners and the exotic snake dealers will still trade illegally.
References:
Fleshler, D. (2009) Bill banning import of pythons, other snakes moves to Senate
Retrieved on January 21, 2010 from World Wide Web
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/florida/fl-everglades-snakes-121009-20091210,0,821935.story
Gorman, E. (2009) Proposed Law to Curb Invasion of Giant Snakes
Retrieved on January 21, 2010 from World Wide Web
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/giant-pet-snakes-invading-florida-everglades/story?id=9014015
Morgan, C. (2009) New laws aim to rid South Florida of `injurious' snake species
Retrieved on January 21, 2010 from World Wide Web
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida/story/1436828.html
Published by Imogen Rayne AAB BSCOM
Crystal S. Kauffman is a Freelance Copywriter, Published Author, Poet, and Songwriter with 14 years of experience. Her chosen pen name is Imogen Rayne, since she first thought of it in 1995 and adopted the n... View profile
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16 Comments
Post a CommentMore time needs to be given to make an appropriate opinion regarding how well these animals are surviving in the wild and what the cause for this is. It is very easy to point fingers at the exotic pet community, because we are the minority. The truth is, almost all of these "facts" are provided by people with little knowledge of the animals. Politicians have no knowledge of herptology. The department of Fish and Game would also have very limited knowledge of exotic species of wildlife. On top of this, only a very few photos and videos have been presented as evidence. Truth be told, I have seen more evidence of bigfoot than of these snakes "taking over". All I am saying is this, more needs to be known and listen to those who would know better than others. Special interest groups, law enforcement, and politicians are not these people!
@Marc and who may leave a negative comment- I am sorry my article upsets you and please refrain from speaking negative about me personally. I wrote about a local issue and I have no problem with these types of snakes, because my friends have owned them and I thought they were gentle. However, this is not my sole choice to put a ban on these snakes, this is the governments choice. I would appreciate it, if you direct all negative comments or complaints to them. These snakes do not scare me, but we do have a overpopulation problem happening in Miami Everglades. The toddlers death was tragic and I own a pit bull, so I know the dangers of dogs.
Please check my sources for this article, before stating I am stepping on your rights. I am not the government, just someone who chose to report on this issue. Thank you for reading this, because it will benefit others, but please understand that I did not spread misinformation or lies. Read the article for what it is, an informational article.
reserch how many people in florida have died dealing with their pythons since florida started keeping record, then try and find info on pet snakes spreading illnesses to there keepers in such high numbers that it should be considerd a public health risk. Ive been keeping these animals since childhood, and have never had or heard of a mass threat from these snakes (we know the reality of our animals and shouldnt be responsible for the people who discard them like trash.). Our freedoms and passions are beeing eroded from our lifes, and all that is leading it is misinformation and lies. people are to stupid and lazy to learn the reality of the subject, but would rather grab a pitch fork and join the rest of the idiots in destroying our dreams and passions. Look at horses and dogs and there statistics and tell me your being logical,, your just irrational and scared of what you dont know, and should leave our rights alone for the real americans to enjoy.
Iam sorry Bruce if my informational article bothers you or offends you. I was reporting on a local issue in my area that is making the news.
let my just ask how many of you have even owned one of these. i have owned sevral of these spieces with no problem at all. how many dogs kill or hurt people every year? i'll give you a hint more then snakes.should we ban dogs as well? i'm sick of hearing a bunch of lies about these animals. what you think people dont live with them in there native lands? besides that they would never make it in places futher north. one good cold night is death for them. they get sick and die. and its not just heat they need in dry areas like texas its far to dry. its amazing how we believe what ever they put on tv. if you dont like snakes then fine but leave the peolple that do alone.
Crystal is in good company in reporting on the Burmese Python menace; Austin Stevens was on HD NET Tuesday, February 23, 2010, with a show devoted to this issue as well. Scary situation, Crystal, and I heard about it from you first.
OMG, again, these snakes really scare. I hope they get rid of all of them.
well whenever anything becomes criminalized there will be an underground market economy
I think they have no choice but to do this. Excellent article!
We have snakes up in the Hollywood Hills. Some rattle snakes too. I was fascinated when I saw two snakes making love. at least that's what it looked like to me. they were entwined around each other. This was the first time i wasn't afraid of them.