Comment to the Fish & Wildlife Service
Fish & Wildlife Service Taking Comments
The Department of Interior’s Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) agency is taking comments from the public as it considers making illegal the importation and inter-state trade of nine different species of non-native constrictor snakes (e.g., large pythons and boas). (Docket No. FWS-R9-FHC-2008-0015: Injurious Wildlife Species: Listing the Boa Constrictor, Four Python Species, and Four Anaconda Species as Injurious Reptiles)
Non-Native Snakes Harming South Florida’s Ecology
This is a result of careless releases of these snakes into our very own Florida Everglades. Some of these snakes have become so prolific in our Everglades that they have developed reproducing populations, and this is resulting in harm upon our native, sensitive species (e.g., the American Alligator).
Expert Opinion on the Matter
This is a matter of importance if we are going to improve the natural conditions of South Florida’s Everglades. Yet, as an expert in constrictor species (in a former life, I bred and raised snakes), and as an environmental manager, I find it short-sighted to simply illegalize these snake species – as described above.
Legal Right to Submit a Comment
So, I wrote a comment to the FWS – we have a mandated right to do this – regarding this important environmental matter. It is below. Feel free to cut and paste it as is, if you too wish to take advantage of your rights and make a comment.
Yes, something needs to be done to mitigate the harm non-native, large constrictors can pose on our sensitive, domestic ecosystems (e.g., the Florida Everglades). However, it is imperative that we take a broader approach than simplistically illegalizing these popular species.
Instead, I propose requiring a permit to obtain these snake species. The permit process would ensure:
1) That such constrictor owners/handlers are educated sufficiently to own, house, feed & safely maintain one of these species — even into the snakes’ adulthood;
2) That chips are inserted into these snakes for tracking — in the event of an escape or illegal release;
3) Proper regulation of these snakes, lending to greater accountability — instead of sending such into the black market without regulation.
4) And, lastly, sufficient funds for such a program via permit fees.
Thank you for your interest, and for doing the small things that in sum add up to greatness! Remember real Yoga is not just what you do on your mat or cushion.
–Vivekan
