FWS to Issue Proposed Rule to Ban Imports of Large Constrictor Snakes
The Fish and Wildlife Service has issued a press release announcing that it will issue a proposed rule in February 2010 to list the Burmese python and eight other large constrictor snakes as "injurious wildlife" under the Lacey Act, which would prohibit importation and interstate transportation of the animals.
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(Under the Lacey Act, the Secretary of the Interior is authorized to regulate the importation and interstate transport of species determined to be injurious to humans, the interests of agriculture, horticulture or forestry, and the welfare and survival of wildlife resources of the U.S.)
Nine Snake Species Proposed for Injurious Wildlife Listing
The species proposed for listing are: (1) Burmese python; (2) northern African python; (3) southern African python; (4) reticulated python; (5) green anaconda; (6) yellow anaconda; (7) Beni or Bolivian anaconda; (8) DeSchauensee's anaconda; and (9) boa constrictor.
The U.S. Geological Survey issued a risk assessment in October 2009 that highlighted the threat of these snakes to the ecosystem. Of the nine large constrictors assessed, five were shown to pose a high risk to the health of the ecosystem: the Burmese python; northern African python; southern African python; yellow anaconda; and boa constrictor. The remaining four large constrictors were shown to pose a medium risk.
FWS to Issue Proposed Rule in February 2010, Legislation Introduced
FWS will publish the proposed rule in the Federal Register in early February. At that time, FWS will also make a draft economic analysis and draft environmental analysis available to the public. The public will then have 60 days to comment on the proposed rule.
FWS notes that Sen. Bill Nelson (D) and Rep. Kendrick Meek (D) have introduced legislation in Congress, supported by Interior Secretary Salazar and the Obama Administration, which would also restrict importation and interstate sale and transportation of the nine species of constrictor snakes. FWS' upcoming proposed rule ensures that the injurious proposal will be considered through all available legislative and administrative avenues.
FWS contact - Vanessa Kauffman (703) 358-2138
FWS press release (dated 01/20/10) available at http://www.fws.gov/home/feature/2010/pdf/Burmesepythonand8others.pdf