"...sometimes you're so far behind you're actually think you're winning."

Awwwe, man! You just had to go & burst my bubble, didn't ya. I've been thinkin' all along that I was lapping 'em for the second time. I must not be doing to awfully bad, though, ‘cause I see you’re still right beside me.

Shea,
Your last post was better than your first one. A few things that bothered me about your first post are: Your yelling/screaming (punctuation), plus, I think you're using too broad of a brush, including many reputable & responsible breeders & dealers in your generalizations.

Don't get me wrong, I like a person with passion, but let's be perfectly honest here; it's unbridled passion that has brought all this about to begin with, and your first post was loaded with it. However, the good Lord knows that I've made more than my share of unbridled passion posts. My first reply to you could be considered one. You stepped on my last nerve at the wrong time. I think we can move on past that, now.

A person gets passionate about owning a Burmese python. They let this passion burn & build to where they actually cannot think things out all the way. Their thought process becomes severely adulterated. They purchase one and within a few years the novelty has worn off, and/or, they realize they don't have the space or funds to continue to provide for it.

That, within it itself isn't really a big deal, we all make mistakes; simply find a home for it. Sell it, give it away or take it to a rescue center. However, there are some that may still be having issues with unbridled passion of one form or another to where they think, "Hey, I'll return it to the wild. I'll let it go."

How many times have we read where some PETA nut released a bunch of chinchillas from a breeding farm, only to see the majority of those released meet their demise? Unbridled passion. That's where I feel it all starts.


"I'm simply pointing out that big pythons in the news is what has gotten us where we're at today. Simply as that. And until that is seen as THE cause for this govmt inquiry, we as a community, are not directly taking this problem on."

I have to disagree with your above statements. It's not "big pythons in the news" that's got us here, it's what that news is about, other than big pythons. If the news were about big pythons helping the general public overcome their unsubstantiated fear of snakes, we wouldn't be here discussing this.

Let me carry it one step further: The main bad press stems from Burmese pythons in the wild in the FL Everglades. The govmt inquiry included ball pythons, boas, and others. This notice of inquiry solicits biological, economic, or other data on adding species in the Python, Boa and Eunectes genera to the list of injurious wildlife. Shall we go sing the same song you're singing in the ball python & boa constrictor forums as well? Why are you singling out Burmese & reticulated pythons when the govmt inquiry didn’t?

I see that you’ve posted in those two forums but not the general python forum or anaconda, ball python or boa forums.

But let’s be realistic; ball pythons & boas aren’t big & scary like Burmese & reticulated pythons. However, that didn’t stop the Feds from including them in the inquiry.

Here’s the way I see it:
There obviously isn’t a problem with the release of large constrictors north of south FL. They simply cannot survive even a central FL winter, much less anything further north. I grew up in central FL, still have family/friends there, and know very well what the winters are like. It’s a south FL issue, period. Not a national/Federal one. To impose any kind of breeding regulations, be it self-imposed or otherwise, would do nothing to rectify the situation.

So what is the answer? Public education, plain & simple. I mean the “general” public, not the reptile enthusiast community. The type of people that would release a large, non-native constrictor into the wild do not frequent forums like these, only people that care about their captives do. Nor do people drive from out of State just to release their snake into the Everglades. Remember what you said, ” This entire inquiry, CNN articles, etc are based on perception and not fact.”

You’ve got legitimate concerns, and I’ll be more than glad to civilly discuss possible solutions. I think it would be a good idea for you to start a thread in the Herp Laws & CITES Forum

I think you’ll get better responses and will most likely be joined in with some of the more knowledgeable people that have a tad bit better self-control than you & me. It also might lessen what I perceive to be the appearance that you’re singling out any groups or anything. Plus, this thread is so far down this page that few will even notice.

Have a good one!
HH
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Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American


www.natures-signature.com

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