Posted by:
CSRAJim
at Thu Jun 25 18:32:58 2009 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by CSRAJim ]
Ed,
Thanks…I’m not sure how to take the comments in the article without knowing Gibbons so I’ll just let his comments stand as stated in the article…
For me, it appears as though “information” is circulated within certain “circles” of the media and then “regurgitated” as a “story line” that certainly seems to have a "biased" flavor…
In both of the two articles below, you can see the reference to both the "info-documentary" and information cited by the USGS...
USARK (and many others) did yoeman's work in opposition to HR-669 as clearly, it HAS its supporters from both the media and the dot.org's...Which are VERY powerful behind the scenes on Capitol Hill...
Later,
Jim.
Here are a few more articles that are typical of the same old “stuff”…
From The Huffington Post (online)
Michael Markarian
Posted April 28, 2009 | 12:06 PM (EST)
"Swamp Things," a fascinating article by Burkhard Bilger in the April 20 issue of The New Yorker, describes how the exotic pet industry has helped transform the state of Florida into "a biological cesspool of introduced life." As fads of exotic birds, reptiles, and primates have come and gone, nonnative species have established themselves in the wild -- transported by hurricanes or deliberately set loose by their owners. As Bilger explains:
On a single tree you could conceivably find plants and animals from six continents, including parrots from South America, mynah birds and Old World climbing ferns from Asia, vervet monkeys from Africa, ladybird beetles from Australia, and feral cats from Europe, via Africa and Asia...The state's ecology is a kind of urban legend come true -- the old alligator-flushed-down-the-toilet story repeated a thousand times with a thousand species.
There have been well-known cases of exotic species that should never have been introduced in the U.S. -- whether they are the zebra mussels, the snakehead fish, or the Gambian rats that caused the 2003 multistate monkeypox outbreak. But the biggest problem for Florida is the new population of Burmese pythons living in the Everglades. These former "pets" can grow more than 20 feet long, weigh 200 pounds, and swallow an entire leopard.
Such ecological invasions can be prevented by a new bill being considered in Congress. The House Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife today held a hearing on H.R. 669, the Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act. Introduced by Subcommittee Chairwoman Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam), a great friend to animals, the bill would set up a process for evaluating exotic wildlife species to determine whether they should be allowed or prohibited for importation and interstate commerce. The legislation is endorsed by The Humane Society of the United States, Humane Society Legislative Fund, Defenders of Wildlife, National Audubon Society, The Nature Conservancy, Union of Concerned Scientists, and a number of other conservation and animal protection groups.
Some pet industry groups are yelping and howling over the proposal, claiming it will end all pet ownership. We hear this rhetoric all the time from our opponents who can't defend inhumane practices on their merits, so they concoct some "slippery slope" justifications -- they say that curbing abuses at puppy mills will end all dog breeding, that phasing out confinement of farm animals in crates and cages will end all agriculture, that toughening the anti-cockfighting laws will eliminate the right to own roosters. But they're barking up the wrong tree.
First, the bill is aimed at exotic wildlife, not domestic household pets. It includes a specific exemption for cats, dogs, rabbits, goldfish, and horses. And the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is allowed to add more exempted species as it sees fit. The HSUS and HSLF are specifically requesting that hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, and ferrets be added to the exempted list.
Second, the legislation wouldn't ban any species immediately upon passage. It allows the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to start a process, based on scientific information with public input, to determine whether an exotic wildlife species is harmful or not. During that process, which will take three years, there would be no restrictions on trade. If a species is then determined to be harmful, it would be added to the prohibited list.
Third, the bill grandfathers in any current exotic pets. So if a wildlife species is determined to be harmful and banned in the future, it would halt imports and interstate trade from that point forward. People who already own those animals would not have them taken away.
As Chairwoman Bordallo said, this morning's hearing "should be seen as a starting point for a very important discussion. How can we proactively manage the influx of invasive species and reduce the economic and environmental costs associated with their establishment in the wild, but also be sensitive to legitimate concerns regarding the species that would be affected and realistic about the practicalities of implementation."
The fact is, this is a common-sense reform that takes a proactive approach. Hundreds of millions of wild animals are arriving in the U.S. at an alarming pace through Miami, Los Angeles, and other points of entry. By the time invasive species establish themselves here, it's often too late to do anything about the problems -- and attempts at doing so, even while tilting at windmills, are costly and inhumane. Preventing wild animals from entering this country in the first place, if they are determined to be dangerous, is better for the environment, the economy, public health, and animal welfare.
Contact your member of Congress and ask them to support H.R. 669. Tell them when it comes to nonnative wildlife, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
From Associated Content (online)
Burmese Python: South Florida's New Threat
March 15, 2009 by Imogen Rayne
The neighborhood residents in South Florida are facing a potential threat, which is roaming their neighborhoods. This new threat has residents that are living in fear of an exotic snake species that is called the Burmese Python. The National Wildlife Federation (2009) believes that these snakes were once pets, which became too big for their owners to handle. After being released in the wild, these abandoned pets began growing and rapidly reproducing.
Dangerous Neighbor
However, throughout the years, the snake population has expanded into the southeastern region of the United States. Now, experts believe that these snakes are becoming a major threat to the endangered species living in this habitat. No one is safe from this threat, since this species of snake can grow to over "20 ft" and weigh in at about "200lbs". Each resident of South Florida are at risk of attack, even inside their own homes.
Population Expands
According to the Clark (2009), these enormous snakes have already invaded the Key West area. Now, officials are "warning residents" and establishing a "hotline" for residents to call when they spot one. These giant ambush predators are on the hunt for a meal, so residents must closely supervise their animals and children. These monstrous snakes can hide under a bed or inside of a closet, while waiting patiently to ambush their unsuspecting prey.
Northern Bound
Nevertheless, if something doesn't change, these giant snakes will continue moving north. They will move to marshy lands, as they hunt for more food as they population continues to expand. According to NFW (2009), Florida's officials have established ways for residents to protect themselves from these snakes. However, it is vital for South Florida's residents to be cautious and protect themselves from these giant snakes.
Changes Needed
Some southern cities are training volunteer and hiring professionals to help capture these massive snakes. Homeowner's are even trying to make sure their home is snake resistant, by leaving them no place to hide. Furthermore, parents and pet owners should also take precaution against these giant predators. This type of proactive attitude will help keep your loved ones safe, while officials work tirelessly to solve this expanding threat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, South Florida's is facing new threats, as this massive bohemian began expanding into the surrounding areas. Fortunately, officials have warned residents about this giant predator. If something isn't done soon, this new threat will begin ambushing those victims in its quest to find food. Therefore, officials and residents are fighting back, while becoming proactive against these invaders.
References:
Clark, C. (2009) When snakes invade, call the wranglers
Retrieved on February 28th, 2009 from the World Wide Web
http://m.miamiherald.com/mh/db_503/contentdetail.htm;jsessionid=FB420B25FB38774856136CF08867091F?contentguid=6bxEWjKB&storycount=3&detailindex=2&full=true
National Wildlife Foundation (2009) Everglade Invasion
Retrieved on February 28th, 2009 from the World Wide Web
http://www.nwf.org/NationalWildlife/article.cfm?issueID=127&articleID=1683
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CSRAJim
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RE: Burmese Pythons in SC... - CSRAJim, Thu Jun 25 18:32:58 2009