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As originally written HR2811 would add the entire genus python
to the Injurious Wildlife List of the Lacey Act. This would effectively
end the Import, Export and Interstate Transport of
any animals listed. In July USARK was successful in narrowing the scope
of the bill by removing most pythons with an amendment offered by Congressman Tom Rooney. The amendment would limit the bill to
the Burmese Python
and the African Python. In addition committee staff agreed in principle
to further amend the bill to allow the captive bred trade in these two
snakes to continue. To date this
promise has not been kept and the HR2811 has not been amended to allow
for captive bred trade.

Meanwhile the USGS Risk Assessment of 9 Large Constricting Snakes has been released. The Humane Society of the United States is lobbying hard to have HR2811 amended to include the entire
genus python, as well as the four species of anaconda, and Boa Constrictor referred to in the USGS report. Do not assume that HSUS will not be successful in getting HR2811 amended
to reflect these changes. Only USARK and the Reptile Nation stand between HSUS and the destruction of our community.