Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Dear Mrs. Gibbs: Thank you for contacting me in regards to H.R. 669, the Nonnative Wildlife Prevention Act. I appreciate your input and the opportunity to respond. Introduced by Rep. Madeleine Bordallo, H.R. 669 would require the Secretary of the Interior to institute regulations establishing a process for assessing the risk of all nonnative wildlife species proposed for importation into the United States. It sets forth factors that must be considered, including the identity of the organism to the species level, the native range of the species, whether the species has caused harm to the economy, the environment, or other animal species or human health in similar ecosystems, and the likelihood of establishment or spread of the species in the United States. As the Representative of California's 41 Distict I am all too aware of the devastation an invasive species can bring to an ecosystem. One need only to look toward the Mojave and Santa Ana Rivers to see the impact invasive weeds have had on our water supply and riparian habitats. Currently, H.R. 669 is waiting further action in the House Committee on Natural Resources. Because I do not sit on this committee I will await their debate and subsequent report before making any final decisions on the legislation. Nevertheless, please be assured that I will keep your thoughts in mind as we move through the legislative process. Thank you again for reaching out to me. In the future do not hesitate to contact me on this or any other issue that may be on your mind. Sincerely, Jerry LewisMember of Congress
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Cheers,
Jessica
10.15 Ball Pythons; 8.9 Corn Snakes; 0.0.1 Green Tree Python
2.2 Jungle Carpet Pythons
1.0 Cay Caulker
1.0 Nic, 0.1 Tpos Nic
1.0 Hypo Het Albino BCI, 0.1 Albino BCI
0.0.1 BCC (almost 20 yrs old)
3.0 Crazy Dogs and 2.0 cats
Some Tropical Fish
...........and growing!

Dear Mr. Potts:

Thank you for writing me regarding management of invasive species, such as the Burmese python snake, in the Everglades National Park.

Biologists with Everglades National Park confirmed a breeding population of Burmese python in the Florida Everglades in 2003 and speculate that their introduction is most likely the result of released pets. The presence of this snake threatens some 68 endangered species that live in the fragile Everglades ecosystem.

Python populations have since been discovered in Big Cypress National Preserve to the north, Miami’s water management areas to the northeast, Key Largo to the southeast, and many State parks, municipalities, and public and private lands in the region.

Further, new climate maps developed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) suggest that Burmese pythons and other giant snakes are highly adaptable to new environments and could thrive in climactic conditions previously thought prohibitive.

I appreciate your informed policy suggestions on this issue and will keep them in mind. Please do not hesitate to contact me again.