Feds Move To Ban Pythons & Boas

I urge anyone interested in herps, whether it is pythons, turtles, geckoes or whatever, to take the new proposed federal regulatory ban against the sale and distribution of pythons and boas very seriously. This may not stop with pythons and boas. The government has a way of getting involved in every aspect of our lives. We all need to get together and do whatever we can to make sure this ban isn't passed.

There is an issue in Florida with Burmese pythons and nile monitors. I can understand regulations concerning possible invasive species there. I can't comment on the impact of the pythons on the ecosystem, but I do know of some of the harm the nile monitors do to the endangered burrowing owl and the American alligator and crocodile. I think the federal government is overstepping their jurisdiction in trying to include this as a federal matter when only a few states have a problem with invasive species. This should be kept in the hands of each state to investigate the impact these invasive species have on the environment and its inhabitants. To create a blanket policy for the whole country is ludicrous. I don't think any state north of Georgia has experienced any issues with invasive pythons or boas, because they can't survive a winter. I really can't comment on each state's problems. Only my own state of Maryland. Act locally.

Please check out the link and write to your senators and state governments showing your disapproval with the proposal. Most importantly, at a minimum, click on the link and comment on the federal website. Be sure to stick to only the questions and issues laid out in the proposal. Getting angry and slinging stones is not going to help. Ask your local pet shops to get involved. Find out how it will impact their business and relay that information. Talk to anyone you can at your local Reptile shows to make sure they know what is happening and to enlist their help. You can contact the PIJAC to find out what more you can do to stop this. The more voices heard the better chance we have of defeating this.

I am sure everyone that visits these forums, has more than a passing fancy with Reptiles. One thing that you could do is create a petition to post in your local pet shops and Reptile shows. The cutoff date is April 30th so we have some time to submit the petitions. I wlll try to post a template of a petition I will be circulating in the near future. The responsibility now falls on us to not be complacent and act to stop this ridiculous federal proposal. I know I will do everything I possibly can. Thank you.