Reptile & Amphibian Forums

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/outdoors/4591922.html

Read the exotic part.

So that is like everybody that keeps snakes, everybody I know has a critter that is not found in their county, and most have some not of this state or nation.

I bet that they are going to collect fees, issue permits and not do any records just like every other time they tried to cover the herp hobby with a permit system. And let us not forget the permits clause that will surely allow them to search your house with no warrant or probable cause. The whole thing smells bad. If they had a history of actually tracking the data from past permits and would not always try to slip in the whole inspection clause, then this would not seem so bad.

And then to compare ourselves to Florida, the problems mentioned are in South Florida. Texas climate will not allow much chance of breeding populations of large exotics like Florida does. But when there is a panic button to push who are they to think things through.
Some capitol ideas for the outdoors

>>So that is like everybody that keeps snakes, everybody I know has a critter that is not found in their county, and most have some not of this state or nation.
>>

Re-read the article.. it said Country -- not County.

Exotic regulation

The law would not restrict ownership of the snakes. But a person convicted of violating the permit requirement would face a fine of $200-$2,000 and 180 days in jail.
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PHWyvern

np

Well you were right about one thing and that is that it's most likely not possible for near as many exotics to establish themselves in Texas compared to Florida.

Wayne........Looks like the Peoples Republic of Texas is simply trying to generate another revenue stream......You didn't think these proposed permits were going to be free......did ya"?

Any real science to back up your legislator's concerns? I thought not. Texas may not be like South Florida. It looks like we are developing a "cottage industry" for herpers regarding Everglades NP. You may have a better shot at finding Burmese pythons there, than actually going to southeast Asia. I imagine the cane fields south of Lake Okeechobee would be suitable habitat for coastal Taipans. Now that would really spice up a snake hunt!

PS.......I did like the e-mail of the "rasta man" that lost his head attempting to elude the cops! I WOULD not want to be the parents of that chick that smacked the toll booth in her Porsche. It appeared they would have only her hair to go by!

You leave the Repulic of Texas business to us...............FLORIDA BOY!

Wayne

LOL!
Todd Hughes

first off, it is still in committee. Write the legislaturists on the committee.

secondly, TPWD doesn't want anything to do with this bill - they say that they are already stretched too thin as it is and don't have the manpower or desire to go permit the thousands of ball pythons in the state. not to mention that it would set precedent for them dealing with exotics that is counter to the precedents already set in place in regards to exotic game animals.

Personally, I think I would stress (and will, when I write them) that in over 25 years of herping the state, I have only ever found 2 exotic snakes in the wild, both DOR - one boa and one ball python. The only exotic snake with extant populations in TX to be introduced intentionally is the Florida watersnake in brownsville, and the only one introduced accidentally came by way of the potted plant trade - the Brahaminy Blind Snake. So their fears are groundless.

Troy

Sorry, I can't agree with the whole "groundless" comment. While you're correct in saying that we most likely won't find large constrictors turned loose and running rampant in Texas, the weather thining them out, it's not the same for the "hots". Large chunks of south Texas, the Hill country, etc. have geography and weather similar to chunks of southern Africa. During the safari season, it's suggested you bring a good coat for mornings/evenings, etc. And since anyone can buy just about anything off the internet these days, the concern is that someone will sooner or later turn loose a "hot" that will survive - even thrive. And while I don't care for the prospect of more stupid, unenforcable legislation, you can't just throw out "groundless". My $0.02 anyway.

Back off Ed!! You can't keep passing laws because of a few dumb asses!!! That is BULL SHI! Should we talk about hand gun laws etc. now????? I thought not!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I thought you would agree.

Wayne

We already have handgun laws, remember? And plenty of them - most came about I would bet because of an overreaction to someone acting inappropriately.
But lets face it, the folks that read this forum aren't the ones (generally) that cause the problems. But truthfully, the average 14 - 15 yr old kid shouldn't be able to plunk his cash down and by a retic, rock, burmese or other animal he has no real idea how to take care of. When it gets too large and/or agressive, and no one wants it, the darn thing gets turned loose. Look at Florida. When that happens (if it hasn't already) to some "hot" that's able to reproduce, the hobby as a whole is gonna suffer big time. You think snakes (and the folks who collect/keep them) have an image problem now? Wait til some kid gets nailed by a cobra or some such.
And I repeat - I don't wish to see this legeslation passed anymore than anyone else on this forum. But I think sooner or later it will - and for the very reason I gave above. That pandora's box is most likely already open.

Ed,.......Ed,..........Ed,............Sometimes I just can't figure out what side you are really on. I agree with you on several points but I will discuss this with you off of the forum. I have way, way too much to say about these laws that keep getting shoved down our throats and to tell you the truth, there isn't enough room on this page to say it all. Talk with you later bud.

Wayne