Re: I hope everyone reads the fine print here...

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Posted by Aaron on October 29, 2001 at 22:03:18:

In Reply to: I hope everyone reads the fine print here... posted by Rick Staub on October 29, 2001 at 20:44:18:

: Namely that these proposals would make it illegal to collect or possess and striped whipsnake (masticophis lateralis) or San Bernadino Mtn kingsnake (L. zonata parvirubra), among other species, simply because they look like the other subspecies that are protected. Many of the newly protected amphibian species would be protected because of the worldwide amphibian decline (check references on their page) and not because there is any direct evidence supporting the decline of these species or that collection has had any impact on their populations. I feel another letter coming on. Wish I could actually make it to a Commission meeting to see how they actually consider this stuff.

>Is there a tactful way to call into question the wisdom of allowing people who lack the expertise to properly identify the animals they are supposed to protect to make the laws that are so important to those species survival. I mean I know the zonata are hard to tell apart but for that matter if the goal is to make their job that easy how long until all tricolors are outlawed. Wasn't the search warrant for Ric Blair's house granted because he was known to have milksnakes which resemble the illegal coral snake? Most herpers experienced with both species can recognize the difference between a milk and a coral at 20 mph.
By the way, I heard they had to give back that trio of "illegal California Mtn. Kings" they confiscated at the July(?) Herp Show that were actually legal captive born Baja Mtn. Kings. And one of the trio was dead. Chr@st sakes they only had them a couple months. How hard is it to take care of three kingsnakes?

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: : Namely that these proposals would make it illegal to collect or possess and striped whipsnake (masticophis lateralis) or San Bernadino Mtn kingsnake (L. zonata parvirubra), among other species, simply because they look like the other subspecies that are protected. Many of the newly protected amphibian species would be protected because of the worldwide amphibian decline (check references on their page) and not because there is any direct evidence supporting the decline of these species or that collection has had any impact on their populations. I feel another letter coming on. Wish I could actually make it to a Commission meeting to see how they actually consider this stuff. : : >Is there a tactful way to call into question the wisdom of allowing people who lack the expertise to properly identify the animals they are supposed to protect to make the laws that are so important to those species survival. I mean I know the zonata are hard to tell apart but for that matter if the goal is to make their job that easy how long until all tricolors are outlawed. Wasn't the search warrant for Ric Blair's house granted because he was known to have milksnakes which resemble the illegal coral snake? Most herpers experienced with both species can recognize the difference between a milk and a coral at 20 mph. : By the way, I heard they had to give back that trio of "illegal California Mtn. Kings" they confiscated at the July(?) Herp Show that were actually legal captive born Baja Mtn. Kings. And one of the trio was dead. Chr@st sakes they only had them a couple months. How hard is it to take care of three kingsnakes?

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