MIAMI HERALD (Florida) 18 April 07 Rules put squeeze on snake owners - In an attempt to fight proliferation of Burmese pythons in the Everglades, the Legislature and wildlife officers are placing new rules on some reptile owners. (Stephanie Garry)

Tallahassee: If you've ever had an urge to buy a giant constricting snake -- resist. The state soon could charge you $100 a year for it.

Bills moving quickly through the Legislature would require the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to mandate permits and fees from owners of certain reptiles. It's part of a joint effort between the Legislature and the commission to increase the state's power to keep tabs on snakes such as Burmese pythons, which have invaded the Everglades by the thousands and are preying on native wildlife.

Under the bills, owners of large pythons, green anacondas and Nile monitor lizards would have to get permits, inspections and pay the state $100 a year. According to a new wildlife commission rule that goes into effect in 2008, ''reptiles of concern'' must have a microchip implanted under the skin so wildlife officers can match pet and owner if the animals are lost or let loose.

''We still can be in business. We can still have these animals,'' said Eugene Bessette, a snake farmer in North Central Florida who serves on a wildlife commission council. ``It's just going to cost you.''

The commission voted in February to create a new category of state-watched reptiles that aren't poisonous, but are considered a threat -- either to the public, the environment or both.

Skip Snow, a wildlife biologist in Everglades National Park, said 170 pythons were captured in the Everglades last year, but that's just a sliver of a population that has thrived without predators. Tourists have seen at least two fights between Burmese pythons and alligators.

''Nobody scares a full-grown python -- nobody,'' said bill sponsor Sen. Bill Posey, R-Rockledge. ``Not an alligator, nobody.''

The problem, the sponsors say, is irresponsible pet owners. People buy cute baby pythons when they're about a foot long. But when the pets grow to 20 feet and start to handle the owners, they are released into the River of Grass.

''It's mind-boggling that someone would call something a pet when it can eat you,'' said Rep. Ralph Poppell, a Vero Beach Republican. ``You don't want to be part of the food chain.''

The legislation, which is headed to the Senate floor and has one more stop in the House, would also allow owners to be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor and a $750 minimum fine if they let a snake slither to freedom. To exhibit the animals, such as in schools or zoos, owners would have to buy a $10,000 bond.

The wildlife commission plans to launch a campaign after the legislative session to make sure owners of the estimated 3,000 to 6,000 newly regulated reptiles know about the rules. State officials hope the requirements will give snake lovers pause before committing to a constrictor.

''We're not telling you that you can't have it,'' Poppell said, though he added, ``That could be down the road if people aren't responsible.''

Snow, the Everglades biologist, said he can't even think about eliminating the python population until the dumped-pet supply dries up. And he's troubled by snakes that have been found farther away from their swampy home.

''We're concerned that they're moving out of the South Glades,'' Snow said, adding that Florida's climate would allow Burmese pythons to live anywhere in the state. ``There's a lot of potential there for spreading.''

Reptile rules

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission rules will go into effect Jan. 1, regulating ownership of certain animals designated ''reptiles of concern.'' They are:

• Indian or Burmese pythons

• Reticulated pythons

• African rock pythons

• Amethystine or scrub pythons

• Green anacondas

• Nile monitor lizards

Owners will have to:

• Be 18 years old, complete an application and a questionnaire to get a permit

• Have a microchip implanted under the animal's skin after it reaches two inches in diameter to allow the commission to identify the animal's owner if it gets loose

• Meet record-keeping, reporting and cage requirements

Under a bill the Legislature is considering, owners of such reptiles would:

• Pay $100 each year

• Face first-degree misdemeanor charges for deliberately dumping a reptile in the wild

• Also, the wildlife commission will designate ''amnesty days'' when people can turn in their pets to the agency, which will try to find other homes.
Rules put squeeze on snake owners

[ Show Entire Thread ]