Tuesday night there was one of several meetings held by Fla Fish and Wildlife commission to discuss the impending legislation on our Herp laws. This one was in Broward Co.
Attendance was pretty good, lots of professionals from the Herp world and also from wild mammal groups who are also facing some changes.
So far it seems pretty certain that the "big five" constrictors will be listed as species of special concern. There was disscussion of chiping...etc...
It was pointed out that many species of snake are too small to be chiped at birth and others even when grown.
There are changes in Venomous. Besides the usual suspects, some species of colubrids are listed as venomous such as Boomslangs, Twig Snakes, Rhabdophis, Atractpsis.
The definition now is any snake determined to have the potential to cause serious human harm.
So this removes mild venomed snakes like Vines and others from the list of vens.
The genus Boiga was placed on the list but this is being reconsidered due to statements from several herpers who pointed out the minimal potency of most of those species.
Another point that arose was the attempt to mandate individual cage heating and enviromental controls. Once again it was pointed out that Uniform conditions would be detrimental to many species.
They also disscussed posting bite protocols (a good idea) and placing identification cards on cages.
In all it was a quiet and well behaved meeting...but one where a lot of free opinions were actively disscussed.
Frank
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"The luxury of not getting involved departed with the last lifeboat Skipper..."
