"And it's beside the point. Regardless of whether they were intentionally released or left during a hurricane- whatever- IF they are a harmful species, better regulation on who has these snakes isn't a bad idea. Specifically- BURMESE PYTHONS IN ENVIRONMENTS THEY CAN LIVE IN."

Its the 'better regulation' part that most people have a problem with. Who's going to set it? Ideally, the hobby would police itself but this won't happen (not effectively).
I have a problem with invasive species. They can wreck havoc. I'm not sure what impact Burmese Pythons are having in the Everglades but an impact is happening for sure. But to what extent? I cheered when I read Ed's statement that they've found feral cats in the stomachs of Burms in the 'glades. You cannot over-emphasis the problem of feral cats (domestic cats that are allowed outdoors are also a massive problem, the slaughter of our native wildlife is staggering). I actually love cats; awesome animals, but they belong indoors.
Here in California we have one native turtle, the Western Pond Turtle. However, if you go herping here in the Sacramento Valley you'll find lots of turtles. Unfortunately, most will be Red-eared Sliders. These did not escape from breeding facilities. They established themselves from being released into the wild. Our native turtle is declining. Like everything, a number of factors are at play. Competition with Red-eared Sliders might play a role. Introduced Bull Frogs are a huge reason. Of course habitat loss is the biggest reason. So yeah, invasive species change things. Its whether the view of particular change is good or bad.
Paul

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