I didn't get to the meeting, but here's an update from the FWC. I believe the consensus is to keep the ROC permit in place as is while scientific evidence is gathered. Hunting feral ROC is not only allowed, but encouraged.



Pythons first appeared in South Florida nearly two decades ago, and they now take center stage as efforts to control their proliferation in the Everglades continue by wildlife managers at both the federal and state levels. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) continues to search for solutions for controlling the further invasion of this exotic species, as well as all reptiles of concern in Florida.



On Wednesday at the FWC meeting in Howey-in-the-Hills, staff presented an update on the reptile of concern programs to date, offered suggestions for further management measures, and discussed potential legislation that could possibly affect the management and enforcement of reptile of concern policies.



After listening to approximately 20 speakers address the issues regarding Burmese pythons and reptiles of concern, the Commission approved a draft rule that codifies an Executive Order, effective Aug. 29, allowing hunters to take pythons in the course of hunting game species in Florida.



Commissioners directed staff to bring back a final rule at the December meeting in Clewiston.

They also asked Col. Julie Jones, the FWC's director of law enforcement, to open rulemaking and look at the science behind personal pet ownership and breeding and sale by Florida's reptile industry. Commissioners asked Jones to bring back a wide range of options, with complete flexibility, for the Commission to consider.



The Commission heard from the reptile industry and conservation groups before taking the vote.



"Let's find out everything we can about this problem," said Commissioner Ron Bergeron. "Then we can move forward diligently."



Tim Breault, the FWC's director of the Division of Habitat and Species, began the presentations by addressing the FWC's efforts thus far to control the spread of Burmese pythons in South Florida. He also spoke about the future of pythons in Florida.



"It's natural to have a spike in the population of a nonnative species, and I think right now we're seeing the explosive stage," Breault said. "As we continue to implement control measures, our large native species will figure out what to do eventually; I am hopeful once that happens that Florida's native wildlife will take control."



Jackie Fauls, the FWC's director of Legislative Affairs, provided the Commission an overview of the possible state legislation, including proposed bills by Sen. Lee Constantine, R-Altamonte Springs; Rep. Darren Soto, D-Orlando; and Rep. Ralph Poppell, R-Titusville, that would provide stricter licensing requirements and increase penalties and fines for violating licensing requirements and for releasing nonnative animals in the wild.



Sen. Eleanor Sobel, D-Hollywood, also proposes a ban on pet ownership of reptiles of concern.

Jones asked the Commission to allow staff to open rulemaking for reptiles of concern and other nonnatives to strengthen regulatory controls.



"Staff understands the python issue and wants to proactively develop solutions for the future," Jones said. "Pythons are a sign of a much bigger issue, and we want to apply all the new rules and regulations to all nonnative species in Florida."



Chairman Rodney Barreto said science and facts must guide decision-making on this issue as answers are sought for a solution.



"There's a huge battle cry for an all-out ban, but it is uncharacteristic of this agency to have knee-jerk reactions," Barreto said. "Let's put everything out on the table and encourage the industry to keep working with us to find the answers."

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