HYPE, the truth is on the to do list of important things here in Florida reptiles really belong at the bottom. They are a total non factor. People have been keeping exotic pets here forever. It's been a huge part of this states heritage. Your neighbors might not like what you have but unless a legitimate reason arises what a person chooses to maintain is their business. Already more then enough laws are on the books at the local level to handle people who can't responsibly care for their pets.The facts show these animals present no danger at all to the general pubic.



The reason it's a big deal now is because special interest groups and their puppet supporters have decided to make it a big deal. The only alternative solution we need is for people at the top to stop wasting time and effort on this non sense. We just went thru all of the " what are we going to do stuff " and the answer was a permitting system and micro chips. Everyone had their say . These new laws have been in effect for a month and the same special interest groups that couldn't make a clear case for themselves are screaming they want more. It's a joke. The constant catering to propaganda based individuals needs to come to an end. If these peoples concerns for the environment and public safety are genuine there's a long list of issues that effect everyone's lives in Florida daily. Real public safety issues.



Burmese pythons are protected in their natural range. It's a cites animal that is vulnerable to over collection. People have been catching and essentially culling the South Florida population. Another point that's never mentioned is that the same types of animals that predate on pythons are also found in Florida .This alone is probably enough to keep numbers down. The reality is they don't pose a legitimate threat to the ecosystem. Only in a hypothetical worst case scenario can their presents be of any real consequence . A Doomsday situation can be created out of anything if you try. Same thing with Nile monitors they pose no real threat to burrowing owls or anything else.The bulk of their diet has been found to consist of other invasive species. Apple snails and Cuban tree frogs along with insects. In all probability owl populations have risen. Land development has increased burrowing owl habitat 1000% . Monitors and owls prefer two completely different habitats. These animals may be able to assimilate and become part of the system but that's about it. Invasive species are a part of Florida's landscape. The future of Florida's drastically altered environmental landscape will evolve along with these introduced species. Nothing will change that.



The truth is 99% of the people that live in Florida will never see a python or a monitor. More so people don't really give a crap. It's a complete non issue to their everyday lives. But prod them and suddenly everyone has something to say. Like it's some kind of big concern .That's what these self serving agendist do .They prod people who normally wouldn't be giving any of this a second of thought into suddenly wanting needing , demanding that something be done. To Para phrase Mark Twain ' they get people so upset and worried over things that are never going to happen '.



People talk like the state is over run with giant lizards and snakes. It's a load of crap .What the state is overrun with is hypocrisy. For those who really have genuine environmental concerns. If you really want to help out. Take the bus to work.



Florida is at the top of the list in housing foreclosures . Home builders sell houses take the money then disappear. Without paying their sub contractors or completing the job. Leaving the buyer with a half built shell and out all of their money . In addition the buyer under state law is reasonable for the dept to the sub contractors. Talk about screwing someone.



The states response to victims for being the nations most fertile breeding ground for thieving contractors. And protecting them. More or less............... Oh well.



Florida is now the number one state for gang activity . The estimated active membership is approaching 100,000 . Much of this growth is directly linked to illegal immigration . Drug and violence related problems across the US can be traced back to Florida. It's clear this state is the country's primary hub for this type of criminal activity.



A special committee was formed last year to evaluate the problem. Their findings, there really isn't a problem. This years response .........Doh





Florida water management , state politicians and the army core of engineers have diverted key waterways and drained off portions of the everglades for sugar cane irrigation. The result has been nothing short of a disaster. Waterways across the state have become inundated with toxic run off from the cane fields, cattle farms and orange groves. Water quality is at an all time low and getting worse. The change in water flow has also caused an over flow of fresh water to be diverted into brackish water environments .The result is killing off and disrupting the breeding cycle of everything that lives in these vital systems.



Florida relies heavily on tourism. The largest draw for tourist are the water related activity's. As water quality diminishes so does tourism .



The city of Miami is at top of the list in terms of everything bad. Traffic, crime etc. are rampant making it perhaps the worst city in North America. Miami has long been one of worlds top destinations. At it's current rate of demise it won't be long before it's one of the worlds top crap holes. Florida is a leading gate way for human slave trade, the list go's on and on but we al better get on the ball before another lizard shows up in someone's yard. It's a total joke.



Ernie Eison

westwoodreptiles.com

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