Fla cracking down on snakes

[NicoleRussell]

Friday, February 10, 2006

TALLAHASSEE — Pythons and lizards and anacondas, oh my! That’s the message
Florida wildlife officials and a pair of state lawmakers sent Thursday as
they gathered to launch legislation to put tighter regulations on
bone-crushing reptiles they say are slithering their way across South
Florida.

Two Treasure Coast lawmakers are sponsoring measures to stop pet owners from
dumping giant snakes, lizards and other dangerous non-venomous reptiles into
the Everglades and surrounding areas. The displaced predators are competing
for food with native species.

If approved, the measure would require registration and a $100 fee from
owners of large non-venomous reptiles to help fund education efforts and
amnesty programs. The bill would add Burmese, African rock, reticulated and
amethystine pythons and monitor lizards to the list of reptiles requiring
registration. Officials estimate as many as 5,000 Floridians would be
required to permit their pets.

“Many people are purchasing these (animals) and then finding out when they
are no longer two or three feet long but are now 10 or 12 or 15 feet long
(that they can’t keep them),” said House sponsor Ralph Poppell, R-Vero
Beach.

State law already regulates the possession of venomous reptiles. Poppell’s
measure would expand the scope. If approved by lawmakers, the state Florida
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission would draw up rules by September.

Despite a few sensational snake stories, state wildlife officials say the
public does not appreciate the scale of the problem, which is getting worse
in remote regions throughout the Everglades and Southwest Florida.

Last year, game officers found 71 adult constrictors in the Everglades,
which they say represents a tiny percentage of the well-camouflaged critters
living in the region.

Most of the animals are purchased as babies and released when they reach
mammoth proportions.

“We have a great climate here, we’re surrounded by water and have many
ports,” said Marianne Gengenbach, representing The Nature Conservancy. “As
such we are uniquely vulnerable here in Florida to evasive species and their
ability to not only survive but thrive in this state but wreak havoc.”

The reptilian round-up is part of a larger initiative to revamp state laws
regulating all kinds of big and often dangerous animals that are kept as
pets.

Last updated in 1994, laws regulating the possession of lions and tigers and
bears will be re-written in the next few years to better protect the general
public and the animals themselves.

[CraigC]

Since "price tag" on most of the mentioned species isn't a deterent to purchasers, maybe the $100.00 permit fee will be. If this passes, you will probably see pet stores that are not reptile specific, discontinue carrying them. No more $39.95 burms. Perhaps this will curb the amount of "disposable" large constrictors from the breeders who supply the wholesale "pet store" market as well. Only time will tell.

Craig

[wreckwriter]

I have to support this. In fact, I think they should have included boa constrictors too.

[VoodooChile]

I agree...The problem is too many of the po-dunk "exotic shows" that will sell lrg snakes, to ANYONE with $20-$30. This includes the irresponsible buyer and 1 of 2 things happen:

They are most likely ignorant to growth rate, demands and size of snake, so it gets bigger, and they cant find any takers, so its set off to its "new home"

The snake is neglected, not properly housed, and gets out

We have this problem with Caimans here, people just set them lose at the lake. The Game & Fish have caught several in our lake...Several people have encountered the larger snakes slithering across roads, in fields, etc...They call Animal Control, and the snake is put down on the spot.

I believe if you breed them, you should be VERY selective who you sell them to. Even the high priced snakes can find their way into a bad home.

The sad thing is, it happens with dogs and cats, so why should we expect our snakes to be free of this problem?

[Rex322]

im personally glad to see it. i just hope they dont just give it to them as long as they pay the $100

[girlatomy]

I think that this is a good idea and that most states should adopt the registration fee, maybe it will do some good. I just hope that they actually use the money the educate people about snakes make sure they understand that they aren't going to be 3-4 feet forever.

[JuliusSqueezer]

I wish the Florida lawmakers would find a way to outlaw speedos while they are trying to think up new laws. I love going to beaches...but man...one pot bellied old man in a speedo is all it takes to screw up somebodies whole vacation.

[JMesser]

I also agree with this. If ur gonna dump ur snake somewhere, why even bother getting it in the first place, and now ur snake might end up eating someones dog or cat, and I love my dog and cats to death, Along with my snakes..