Federal Government Considering Banning Import of Snakes

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering banning the import of boa constrictors, reticulated pythons, and three kinds of anacondas.

In 2012, importing and traveling with some similar snakes was restricted. Now the expansion of those restrictions is being considered.

The Hill reports:

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said Monday it would take another look at rules that would prevent people from buying the snakes overseas and having them shipped to America.

The import and travel restrictions would not apply to all snakes, covering only the reticulated python, DeSchauensee’s anaconda, green anaconda, Beni anaconda, and boa constrictor, the agency said in the Federal Register.

Under the new rules, snake owners would be allowed to keep the animals they already have, as long as they do not travel between state lines without first obtaining a permit.

Some of the snakes being considered for the ban can grow to over 20 feet long and 200 pounds. Threats to humans from the snakes are rare, but the snakes can be considered dangerous.

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