The Lacey Act also requires importers or consignees to "promptly" export or destroy any prohibited animals or eggs at their own expense.

Nelson cited concerns about the environmental impact on endangered species a feral population of Burmese pythons was causing in the Everglades region of south Florida, noting "If we do not take action now, we will let python populations in Florida continue to grow and further ravage the already-fragile Everglades, as well as risk letting them spread throughout the Southern portion of the United States."

Nelson acknowledged that Florida in 2008 had implemented a "reptiles of concern" program, which required owners of pythons and other snakes to obtain permits for their animals, and implant tracking microchips into larger pythons. However, he felt additional efforts were necessary.

In a PetAlert issued Feb. 17, 2009, The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council warned that the bill was problematic for several reasons and would directly impact pet stores, exporters, breeders and pet owners across the country. PIJAC believes thousands of businesses--breeders, pet stores and manufacturers currently sell pythons and python-care related products, and it has began conducting a survey to determine potential economic damages to the reptile industry and snake keepers.

PIJAC estimates millions of pythons from nearly one dozen species have been imported into the United States during the past 50 years, and only the Burmese python has established a feral population. Moreover, PIJAC contends that several factors combined to help establish that population, including a "mass" escape of pythons from holding facilities destroyed during Hurricane Andrew in 1992, additional but isolated escapes from pet owners and commercial facilities; misguided release by pet owners; the subtropical climate and large area of swampy habitat with relatively little human activity, and ample prey availability in the Everglades region. PIJAC further believes the ban on interstate transport or trade could result in the release or euthanasia of hundreds of thousands of pythons as python owners (commercial and hobbyist) attempt to comply with the law.

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Source: www.petproductnews.com