![]() Prohibiting additional importation and interstate transportation could reduce opportunities for future releases into the wild. Small numbers have been found in the wild in Florida, putting at risk native wildlife unprepared to defend itself against these giant and efficient predators. Some of these powerful snakes have been intentionally released into the wild, while others escape from poorly secured enclosures. ![]() ![]() The reticulated python and the green anaconda, considered the two largest snakes in the world, are traded commercially as pets. wildlife, the circumstances surrounding the species, which include widespread private ownership and domestic breeding, render importation and interstate transport prohibitions less effective. Although the boa constrictor can be damaging to U.S. In 2014, the Service reopened the public comment period for the remaining five species, including the boa constrictor. The listing was finalized in 2012 for four species: Burmese python, yellow anaconda, and northern and southern African pythons. In March 2010, the Service proposed listing nine species of large constrictor snakes not native to the United States as injurious wildlife. “Today’s action will help prevent humans from contributing to the spread of these snakes.” Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge in Florida. “Large constrictor snakes are costing the American public millions of dollars in damage and placing at risk 41 federally and state-listed threatened or endangered species in Florida alone,” said Service Director Dan Ashe during an event to announce the rule at the Arthur R. The prohibitions in the rule will go into effect 30 days after publication and apply to live individuals, gametes, viable eggs or hybrids of the four snakes. Following opportunities for public comment, an economic analysis and an environmental assessment, the Service produced the final rule, which is expected to publish in the Federal Register March 10. The listing will prohibit import of the four snakes into the United States and its territories, as well as transport across state lines for snakes already in the country, and is intended to help restrict the snakes’ spread in the wild. A fifth snake, the boa constrictor, is removed from consideration for listing as an injurious wildlife species. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) today declared the reticulated python, DeSchauensee’s anaconda, green anaconda and Beni anaconda as “injurious” under the Lacey Act.
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