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FWC sharpening captive wildlife
regulations
February 8, 2007
Contact: Valli Finney (850) 410-4943
Commissioners for the Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission (FWC) approved new rules concerning
reptiles and other captive wildlife Wednesday. The rules will go
into effect as early as Jan. 1.
Meanwhile, FWC staff is working with
stakeholders and others to stem the invasion of nonnative
species that displace or prey on Florida’s native species in the
wild.
FWC officials plan to work with the agency’s
Captive Wildlife Technical Advisory Group during the next year
to address unresolved issues such as classification of wildlife,
regulation of crossbred animals, public contact with wildlife,
wildlife sanctuaries and wildlife rehabilitators.
New rules address appropriate locations for
housing certain wildlife and the possession and housing of
certain reptiles. When they take effect, new rules will require
persons who keep wildlife in captivity to have critical
incident/disaster plans describing what they will do in the
event of a hurricane, flood or fire to prevent animals from
escaping into the wild.
They will prohibit providing false information
to qualify for permits where documented experience is required.
The rules also define "reptiles of concern” and establish
requirements for possession. Also, they require having a
bite-response plan and cage card identification system for
facilities with venomous reptiles.
Escapes of reptiles of concern or nonnative
species of venomous reptiles must be reported immediately upon
discovery to FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement.
These rules create the list of reptiles of
concern -- the Indian or Burmese python, reticulated python,
African rock python, Amethystine or scrub python, green anaconda
and the Nile monitor lizard.
Beginning Jan. 1, a permit will be required to
possess these reptiles of concern. People who possess these
reptiles as pets must be at least 18 years old and complete an
application and questionnaire for the free permit.
The applicant must demonstrate knowledge of the
reptile of concern by answering questions about the species,
dietary needs, basic husbandry and caging and safe housing
requirements. People who possess reptiles of concern will have
to ensure their pets are permanently identified by implanting a
microchip once the reptile reaches 2 inches in diameter. They
also must meet specific record-keeping, reporting, safe housing
and minimum cage requirements.
"FWC supports responsible pet ownership. We
encourage people wanting to own captive wildlife to learn about
the animal, its needs and behaviors before getting the animal,”
said FWC Capt. Linda Harrison. "Owners also should be aware that
Florida laws prohibit the release of nonnative animals.”
Violations of these rules could lead to
non-criminal infractions ($50 fine) up to criminal misdemeanor
charges (up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine).
"Before we begin enforcing these new rules we
will focus on educating the public and those who are interested
in possessing captive wildlife,” Harrison said.
The FWC also is offering an option to pet owners
who no longer are able or willing to take care of their fish,
amphibians, reptiles or birds.
On March 24 in Clearwater, pet owners may
relinquish their animals at FWC’s second Pet Amnesty Day. Owners
of animals that require a permit now or starting Jan. 1, may
bring the pets in with no questions asked. The FWC will attempt
to place surrendered pets with qualified caregivers. During this
event, people may visit nonnative fish and reptile exhibits and
a snake micro-chipping demonstration.
For more information, visit MyFWC.com and follow
the "Wildlife” link to "Nonnatives.” |
