The Python Ban

As of March 23 it is now illegal to import four species of snakes into the U.S. These snakes include: the yellow anaconda, the southern and northern African rock pythons, and the Burmese python. These four species have been listed under the injurious species list of the Lacey Act which also prevents them from crossing state lines. There has been a harsh backlash by the major pet trade breeders throughout the U.S. who view the decision as one based on "pseudo or biased science". However there is a lot of mounting evidence that these four species have become invasive species throughout the Southeast. The biggest example of this is the spreading of the exotic populations of African rock pythons and Burmese pythons in Florida. These species have had drastically negative effects on livestock, pets, infants, and several other species of local fauna. It is believed these pythons have dropped some mammalian populations by 90% and additionally are believed to be preying on 39 endangered species in the State. While this ruling may cause a huge financial hit to some big pet trading companies, it is certainly not based on biased science as the average person is not fit to keep these dangerous animals. Maybe these angry breeders should take a second to look at the greater number of negative impacts these snakes have on the Southeastern U.S. as opposed to thinking strictly about the money they can bring themselves.