This really sucks!! Dear Mr. Woodruff: Thank you for contacting me regarding efforts to list pythons as injurious wildlife under the Lacey Act. I appreciate hearing from you, and I understand your concerns about the potential impact of this listing on pet owners and hobbyists. The introduction of nonnative, invasive species to the United States is cause for serious concerns. These species can have a negative impact on our environment, our economy, and human and animal health. Senator Nelson of Florida has introduced legislation (S. 373) that would list nine species of pythons as injurious wildlife under the Lacey Act. He argues that, as a nonnative species, pythons have the potential to cause serious harm to Florida's ecosystems, in particular the Everglades. Pythons have been found throughout Florida, and several species pose a high risk due to their ability to adapt to new environments, their lack of natural predators, and their rapid reproduction rate. If passed, S. 373 would prohibit these species of pythons from being imported into the United States and from being transferred between states. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee has approved S. 373, and the measure now awaits further action by the full Senate. In addition, the Interior Department announced recently that the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) will propose to list the same nine species of pythons as injurious wildlife under the Lacey Act. The FWS is expected to issue its proposed rule for the listing in February. The proposed rule would then be subject to a 60 day public comment period. Many pet owners and hobbyists have expressed concerns about the possible effect that S. 373 and the FWS proposed rule could have on the pet trade industry. Supporters of the bill note that listing these species of pythons under the Lacey Act would not prohibit domestic breeding or prohibit individuals from selling pythons within their own state. I will keep your concerns in mind as the Senate further considers this issue. Thank you again for your message. Please feel free to keep in touch. Sincerely, Richard J. Durbin United States Senator

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