The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has authorized a special python hunting season, from March 8 through April 17 to help eliminate non-native snakes from Florida.

Although non-native species do need to be managed, an authorized hunt is an unacceptable answer. I am strongly recommending that the FWC look into starting a python rehoming project, where non-native snakes can be captured and then placed in animal shelters and humane societies. Here they can be adopted out to suitable homes. Pythons are extremely popular pets among reptile hobbyists. Finding homes for snakes by working with such agencies is a far better policy then killing them.

Private run reptile rescues and credible zoos should also be contacted in regard to helping to promote a snake adoption program and help place the snakes in suitable homes. Such a project is more humane and could be used as a way to educate individuals who want snakes not to support the pet trade or animal breeders; but adopt animals instead. The whole program could also be used to raise awareness about the problems of buying animals from the exotic pet trade and how releasing non-native animals is never a good idea.

Please take a moment to send in the following letter to the FWC and speak out against the authorized Python hunt.

For more information on Snake Conservation, please see:

Snake Conservation 101

http://snakeconserve101.weebly.com/