New Rule Bans Import of Four Constrictor Snake Species

 
South Florida has been hardest hit by this invasion, where numerous threatened and endangered species are being predated upon by these invasive snakes. Additionally, these snakes—which can grow to over 20 feet in length and weigh over 100 pounds—can pose a threat to humans. To date, there are accounts of captive snakes fleeing their cages and injuring, sometimes even killing, children and adults.
 
“In addition to their devastating ecological impacts, these species pose a significant financial burden to taxpayers,” says Michael Hutchins, Executive Director/CEO of TWS. “By listing these as injurious species, we can begin to tackle the problem from the source.” Eradication of these snakes after they make an established presence in an ecosystem is extremely difficult. It is crucial that preventative measures be taken to ensure that the havoc caused by invasive snakes in south Florida is not repeated elsewhere.
 
While the action taken by the administration is encouraging, TWS strongly supports the FWS recommendation that an additional five species of invasive snake be listed, bringing the total to nine. New additions would include the reticulated python, Beni or Bolivian python, green anaconda, DeSchauensee’s anaconda, and boa constrictor. TWS recommends that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) list these five additional non-native large constrictor snakes as soon as possible. A coordinated federal approach to stopping the source importation of all above mentioned dangerous snake species is the most effective way to minimize future disruptions to local wild and human populations.
 
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Founded in 1937, The Wildlife Society is a non-profit scientific and educational association of over 10,000 professional wildlife biologists and managers, dedicated to excellence in wildlife stewardship through science and education. Our mission is to represent and serve the professional community of scientists, managers, educators, technicians, planners, and others who work actively to study, manage, and conserve wildlife and its habitats worldwide.