Dear Ms. Williams,
I am writing in response to the Notice of Inquiry entitled, “Injurious Wildlife Species; Review of Information Concerning Constrictor Snakes From Python, Boa, and Eunectes genera,” dated 31 January 2008.
I am a retired Air Force Aviation Meteorologist who has been keeping Pythons as a hobby for nearly a decade. This non-native snake requires a highly controlled environment to survive, let alone thrive here in the US. It is my understanding that only the extreme southern tip of Florida is the only area were the only two species in these three genera (Python molurus bivitattus and Boa constrictor) have established reproductive populations.
I have 21 years of weather experience & access to climate data spanning over a century. The NOAA & NWS archives will clearly illustrate the profound truth of what I am stating here: The climate where I reside like that of the other 48 states in the CONUS, simply cannot support wild populations of any of the constructor species you are inquiring after.
Take into consideration that the importation of Pythons to the US has been going on for decades & that S. FL is the only area that has seen any impact, I would venture to state these animals hardly fit the definition of invasive as outlined in your inquiry.
I do care a great deal for these animals and knowing that any release into the wild is essentially a death sentence, my colleagues & I have written many care-sheets & participate regularly on on-line snake forums to promote responsible pet ownership.
To answer the following questions:
o What would it cost to eradicate Python, Boa and Eunectes individuals or populations,
or similar species, if found?
o What are the costs of implementing propagation, recovery, and restoration programs
for native species that are affected by Python, Boa and Eunectes species, or similar
snake species?
o What State-listed species would be impacted by the introduction of Python, Boa and
Eunectes species?
Is simple- since these animals cannot establish in the wild (outside of S. FL), there are NO costs nor impacts to our native environments throughout the remaining continental US. This is an issue that, as a result, I believe you will discover would best be handled on a state level since the other states are immune from any impact whatsoever.
The state of Florida, relevant federal agencies, and stakeholders are already working to understand the dynamics of these populations, limit their impact, and are proactively working to prevent future introductions into the environment.
It’s my understanding that both of these populations in Florida were likely aided by unusual circumstances. The Everglades is a subtropical, highly modified environment with low human population density which offers a rather unique opportunity for the establishment of some non-native species.
At this time, there are insufficient data available for evaluation of the potential benefits (e.g., as prey for native wildlife and predators of invasive species), impacts (e.g., as predators of endangered species), or spread of Python molurus bivitattus and Boa constrictor. There is a decline in the number of P.m.bivitattus being imported and propagated in the U.S. and thus the risk of this species being introduced into the environment is diminishing.]
As this is an issue only in the state of Florida & that state is already addressing this issue. I would suggest the USFWS turn it’s sights to the rampant feral cat issue of which we all know is a long-standing & widespread threat to our environment.
Thank you for the opportunity to respond to your inquiry. It is my sincere wish that the USFWS will undertake the necessary scientific research & maintain a transparency in fullly disclosing the results to all relevant stakeholders. I will be following the process & will engage in it as needed.
Sincerely,
Deb Northern, USAF Aviation Meteorologist (retired)
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I sent it to the Fed site & to PIJAC; feel free to use it in any way possible that would help our fight. -Deb
