This Monday August 2, 2010 is the last chance the public will have to comment on the US Fish & Wildlife Services proposed listing of the Boa Constrictor, four Python species, and four Anaconda species as Injurious Reptiles (Document ID FWS-R9-FHC-2008-0015-3357).

A controversial proposal supported by an even more controversial study by the USGS, this is yet another step forward in a laborious process begun over 3 years ago and driven by Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL). Finding little support among reptile hobbyists nor the scientific community and despite having cost a young industry thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in the process so far, the proposal seeks to ban the import or interstate transport of animals considered pets by millions of Americans.

Public comment on the current proposal was initially opened and closed earlier this spring. The comment period ending this Monday was a 30 day extension to that period. If you as an individual or business did not submit your comments earlier this spring this will likely be your final opportunity to comment on the proposed regulations.

To read the full text of the proposed regulations please click here
To submit your comments before the Monday cutoff you can do so online at the regulations.gov web site.