In kingsnake.com's colubrid, leopard gecko, bearded dragon, boa and ball python classifies, the vast majority of the animals being offered for sale are captive bred. Such animals should not be regulated.



I agree, and suppose I should clarify by stating I'm coming from a US-breeding-US-native perspective.



>>Those who breed birds, fish and insects for a hobby are generally not pestered (or busted) by U.S. federal and state wildlife officials for pursuing their interests.



I don't follow those branches of husbandry, but I know that the occasional "sting" happens on the herp side--maybe because snakes are more villified than the others?



>>While there are still types of amphibians, turtles and lizards that are not widely captive bred, simply having a fishing license to allow the collection of no more than four adult animals would solve the issue for the people who want to work with such animals.



Yes, except the offspring produced must be disposed of, else a knock comes on the door and it's discovered you know have 10 specimens vs. the 4 allowed (after all, the fish-n-game guy can't distinguish WC from CB).



>>I can tell you from a breeder's standpoint that the vast majority of people looking for a snake seek out captive bred animals because they know that they are more suitable as pets and potential breeders.



I agree, as well they should! That being said, all my animals I currently have are WC--either by me personally, or were given to me (none purchased).



I can also tell you that I do not want to be hassled by the government for pursuing my hobby,



Me neither.



which does no damage whatsoever to wild populations of herps.



Maybe your area of concentration does not, and I believe mine would do no measurable harm either, but I'm trying to placate those who would disagree.



Thanks for the response!
-----
Chris McMartin

www.mcmartinville.com

I'm Not a Herpetologist, but I Play One on the Internet

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