For those of us who have submitted our e-mail to herp alearts this is what you woke up to in your e-mail today!!!!!

Federal proposal banning pythons and boas
Panel Discussion
Friday, February 29, at 10 PM Eastern, in the Auditorium
http://chat.pethobbyist.com/login.php?room_id=1001

The news release by the USGS  titled "USGS Maps Show Potential
Non-Native Python Habitat Along Three U.S. Coasts" (located at
http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1875&from=rss_home ) has
added fuel to the boa and python debate as well as resulting in a number
of alarmist news articles being published in the mainstream press.

Tonight we will be holding a panel chat to discuss the recently
released USF&W request for information regarding the possible inclusion of
boas and pythons on the injurious wildlife list. An excerpt of the request
appears below :

"SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or We), are
reviewing available biological and economic information on constrictor
snakes in the Python, Boa and Eunectes genera for possible addition to
the list of injurious wildlife under the Lacey Act. The importation and
introduction of constrictor snakes into the natural ecosystems of the
United States may pose a threat to the interests of agriculture,
horticulture, forestry; to the health and welfare of human beings; and to the
welfare and survival of wildlife and wildlife resources in the United
States. An injurious wildlife listing would prohibit the importation
into, or transportation between, States, the District of Columbia, the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any territory or possession of the United
States by any means, without a permit. Permits may be issued for
scientific, medical, educational, or zoological purposes. This document seeks
comments from the public to aid in determining if a proposed rule
is warranted." - http://www.fws.gov/policy/library/E8-1770.html

Invited Panelists:

    * Marshall Meyers - PIJAC ~ confirmed
    * David/Tracy Barker - Vida Preciosa Intl. ~ confirmed
    * Kevin McCurley - N.E.R.D. ~ confirmed
    * Jeff Ronne - The Boaphile ~ confirmed
    * Rich Ihle - Salmonboa.com ~ confirmed
    * Ralph Davis - Ralph Davis Reptiles ~ confirmed
    * Trooper Walsh - Zoo Genesis, LLC ~ confirmed
    * Jeff Barringer - kingsnake.com ~ confirmed
    * USF&W Service - Erin Williams ~ confirmed
    * Brian Sharp - Brian Sharp Reptiles ~ confirmed
    * Bill Brandt - Gourmet Rodent ~ confirmed
    * Wayne Hill - National Reptile Breeders Expo ~ confirmed
    * Bob Clark - Bob Clark Reptiles ~ confirmed
    * Brian Potter - NARBC/Chicago Reptile House ~ confirmed
    * Donald Schultz - T-Rex Products ~ confirmed

The following invited guests will be unable to attend

    * Russ Case - Reptiles Magazine
    * Kamuran Tepedelen - Bushmaster Reptiles
    * U.S. Geological Survey

The panel chat tonight will be moderated and only the panelists will be
allowed to ask questions
though if we have time we may accept some questions from the floor.

All are invited to attend, the chat starts at 10:00pm EST  and will be
in our chat room located at
http://chat.pethobbyist.com/login.php?room_id=1001

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