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Warning- S373 Introduced into US Senate would BAN Import & Interstate Transport of Pythons

A new bill S373 has been introduced into the US Senate by Senator Bill Nelson of Florida. It would Ban the Import and Interstate Transport of the genus Python. In his introductory comments Senator Nelson used inflammatory language, and cited feral pythons in the Everglades and the USGS Map published By Rodda and Reed as his reasons for introducing federal legislation. His statements were sensational and inaccurate.

There is no credible scientific evidence to support wasting taxpayer’s time and money on this Bill. The only result if this bill was to pass is more harm to the US economy and its citizens. USARK is working closely with PIJAC to develop a strategy to move forward in dealing with this new threat to the families and small businesses that make up our community. A coordinated response will be in all of our best interest.

We are putting together a sample written response. USARK and PIJAC will not allow this to go unchallenged, but your help is required! These issues need to be responded to in writing and by as many people as possible. Right NOW, you can help by recruiting as many people as you know (herpers & non-herpers) to sign up on the USARK Mailing List. This will notify you the moment this response is ready. Or better yet, JOIN USARK's Reptile Nation and help make a difference! Do not wait... Act Now!!

***FORWARD THIS TO EVERYONE ON YOUR EMAIL LIST AND POST IT ON EVERY FORUM!

Thank you for your support!!!

Andrew Wyatt

President USARK
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Thanks,

Frank Roberts

I am well aware of the multiple problems with invasive species in the Florida Everglades. Including pythons, boas, at least one species of caiman, rats, etc.

Is there any evidence Ball Pythons (or other, similar species of python) could be or are successfully invading any other part of the United States?

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>>I am well aware of the multiple problems with invasive species in the Florida Everglades. Including pythons, boas, at least one species of caiman, rats, etc.
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>>Is there any evidence Ball Pythons (or other, similar species of python) could be or are successfully invading any other part of the United States?

None will ever be found to support that.It isn't possible..Ball pythons come from western Africa.At a latitude ranging from roughly 5 to 12 degrees north of the equator.They simply cannot survive winter temperatures that exist north of their own habitat range.
Florida's most southern point is around 25 degrees north of the equator,with it's most northern point being around 30 degrees north..

I can tell you from personal experience(in 1999)that even at around the 27 degree mark(Port St.Lucie/S.Hutchinson island.Where we did not even have a furnace in our apt!)the temperature dropped to under 50 for four days,and was under 40 for three straight nights...Even these conditions are not good for a species that hails from the 5 to 12 degree range..

Let alone anything north of there:
I now currently reside in NC at a latitude of roughly 35 degrees north..Where for three to four months out of the year has an environment that is as alien to ball pythons,as outer space is to humans..Fatal.

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Charles Glaspie
http://www.myspace.com/coldthumb

they are wanting to BAN ALL of the genera Python, yes that includes small species like Ball and Children's Pythons!!!

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Thanks,

Frank Roberts