Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Did anyone read page 73 of April 2006 Issue? Any thoughts?

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"Life without risk is to merely exist."

No.
Enlighten us...

Eric
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If Jesus is your co-pilot, you'd better change seats!

It is a public admission by a breeder that had crossed the line and was asked as part of his sentence to post something publicly. I would read it if I was you or anyone for that matter it gives you a look into how the system works. Real sobering to say the least.
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"Life without risk is to merely exist."

Cant you just relay whats said ?

Keith
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Yes, I read it. Without knowing the details and all sides of the story, I can not comment on the validity. I saw comments made by the defendant at Reptile Shows that were less incriminating/remorseful. What I learn is that Federal Wildlife Violations are deadly serious, and just not worth it, and the plea bargaining process so much a part of todays criminal justice system can really bring a person to their knees, and the cost of a defense is great as well as the consequences of a guilty finding. Sadly, I am sure some people violate truly without knowing, but that of course is our responsibility to KNOW the laws of the land... Very sad indeed, it seems like someone gets wrapped up in this sort of thing every few years, and endangered Drymarchon couperi could certainly be a temptation to some...I know that is trouble I don't want in my life. The commercialization of wildlife seems rife with pitfalls...

A year in jail, $13,000 in fines and who knows how much money in court costs. That would put a kink in anybodys hose!
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"Life without risk is to merely exist."

Looks like you could get into trouble real easy with the native stuff if you are ignorent of the law in some other state.
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"Life without risk is to merely exist."

Yes indeed, anyone moving wildlife interstate should become familiar with the Lacey Act and take care not to violate this Federal Act, which is a "catch all". Many violators do not think of their behavior/or themselves as criminal, but the "system" does and many naiive persons wind up singing the blues...

Ignorance is not a legitimate excuse for breaking the law.
Unfortunately, the Lacey Act is violated everyday by thousands of folks who ship live flora and fauna via FedEx, USPS, UPS or any other carrier for that matter, without indicating the contents on the exterior of their packaging...

Jeff
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Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.603.1947

I will remember
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"Life without risk is to merely exist."

N/P
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Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.603.1947

I was considering a visit.............Bill
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"Life without risk is to merely exist."

I live in Mabelvale, a small town just outside of Little Rock.
Give me a call when you have the chance..
Jeff
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Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.603.1947

I found it interesting that it was posted as an advertisement, as I thought it would have been more suited as a community service announcement.
There are some sting operations floating around out there and the Dry community is not immune. I am certain a few of may recall the post I made to the forum, just prior to the ’05 Daytona show, regarding the baby D. couperi I was offered.
All I have to say is do not allow temptation to get the best of you. Know the rules and if something appears remotely suspicious, turn the other cheek. Your family, friends, collection, reputation and livelihood are not worth a few extra dollars or animals…

Best regards,

Jeff
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Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.603.1947

its not always just a few $$$.....how often do individuals carry spotteds back from the carolinas??......red pygs...or animals caught in protected areas.....then proclaimed as preact or some such claim....you're driving home from the outer banks....a mile from the VA. border you see a spotted on the road....whattadaya do???......you're packing your car after a vacation on the space coast in fla.....as you're closing up the house on the back patio ....a BABY INDIGO...still has the imbilical scar.....whattadaya do.......the list can go on and on....our gene pools are full of illegal dna...so???

That is a personal choice, Bob,

Personally, I say stick to the straight and narrow and remove all possibility of being prosecuted, especially if you know better. Of course, I am one of those folks that could never get away with anything, even as a kid, so I have no choice other than to abide by the law.

That's what I'd do, hope you would do the same,

Jeff
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Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.603.1947

so how broadly interpreted are these laws? what if one decides to move from one state to another and wishes to bring along their couperi? is there an interstate transportation permit required?

if one is allowed to donate across state lines, then one should also be allowed to carry across state lines. a donation to self, as it were.

anyone know?

matt

So long as no barter or funds are exchanged, meaning the animal is a bonafied gift, it can be transported across state lines without an USF&W inter-state commerce permit.
Some states require a "state" permit for the keeping of any species amended to the ESA, native or not, so you would need to check the ordinances regarding such within the state of your pending move. I believe New York, North Carolina and Virginia are three states requiring such permits, but I am certain there are more.
Should you move, you will be able to take your animals with you, without applying for a USF&W inter-state commerce permit, as no sale or barter has taken place, but I would advise you keep any and all documentation, supporting the origin and acquistion of any specimens you are traveling with, simply to avoid any questions that could arise from a traffic stop...

Best regards,

Jeff
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Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.603.1947

thanks for the input jeff,

i made the move from minnesota to CA with a pair of couperi and all their documentation. now i will be making the move in reverse with a couple more couperi and a thicker file of paper work.

so i guess the feds have decided to tag interstate commerce instead of interstate transport, per se.

matt

That is certainly one way to look at it, Matt,

By the way, what part of Minnesota are you returning to? I ask as my wife and her family are from Elk River and Zimmerman..

Best regards,

Jeff
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Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.603.1947

I just happen to be in Minnesota (Faribault) on business. Was in Kansas yesterday. It is cold here won't be any herping here for quitesome time.
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"Life without risk is to merely exist."

"I just happen to be in Minnesota (Faribault) on business."

very close Bill! i will be returning to Northfield in May, next town north of faribault.

Jeff, both towns are about 30-35 miles south of minneapolis, so in the minnesota banana belt. Elk River is a tad cooler.

i'll miss this california weather, but i won't miss the traffic and housing costs!

matt

Here's a photo my mother-in-law sent me of her front yard a couple of weeks ago!

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Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.603.1947

looks toasty to anyone from International Falls, Embarrass, or Tower, MN.

(just trying to psych myself into returning...)

matt

I will be driving through on my way to Minneapolis again on Tuesday 21st
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"Life without risk is to merely exist."

Oh, and Matt,

Guess it isn't too bad out there, since this little guy was out foraging!

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Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.603.1947

I just got my hands on March. Nice snake by the way

Ian

Has its privileges! ;0)
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Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.603.1947