Concerns raised on interstate python trade ban

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Florida wildlife officials are concerned that a possible ban on interstate python trade could force dealers to dump the snakes into the wild.

Sen. Bill Nelson wants the Burmese python and five other pythons to be included on the federal injurious species list. That would trigger a ban on the import and interstate trade of the constrictors.

Scott Hardin with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission told the Palm Beach Post Saturday (http://sunsent.nl/vbD2qH ) that "marginal dealers" could end up releasing their inventory of the commercial snakes "in the wrong place."

It's illegal to acquire the six species of pythons in Florida as pets. If placed on the federal injurious species list, commercial dealers and breeders won't be able to sell and ship their snakes to buyers in other states.