Congressional Python Ban

On February 3, 2009, Senator Bill Nelson (D-Florida) introduced S.373 and on June 10, 2009 Representative Kendrick Meek (D-Florida) introduced H.R. 2811, both of which would add the entire Python genera to the “injurious wildlife” list under the Lacey Act (Title 18 US Code Section 42(a)(1)). 

Senator Nelson’s action was inspired by the publicity surrounding a feral population of Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus) in the Everglades region of south Florida. His comments, which appeared in the February 3, 2009 Congressional Record, stated that a Lacey Act listing was needed to “combat this deadly nonnative nuisance” by banning importation and interstate movement of every species of pythons.  He noted that “Pythons were first discovered in the Everglades in the mid-1990s, and now have a rapidly-growing breeding population within the boundary of Everglades National Park.”  He went on to state that “climate range projections…show that pythons may soon expand their range to include much of the southern third of the United States….”

The Senator’s statement failed to acknowledge that the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is currently overseeing a risk analysis to determine which species in the genera Python, Boa, and Eunectes, if any, warrant inclusion in a formal, science-based evaluation as delineated by the long-established Lacey Act “injurious wildlife” listing process.  S. 373 circumvents the normal listing process which affords the public an opportunity to submit written comments on the Service’s findings.  The findings are supposed to include, among other things, information on the science-based review such as revealing data, scientific analysis, and the literature replied upon.  The proposed bill does not allow for this important part of the process.