Group Wants Ban On Importing Giant Snakes Tossed

MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) – A nationwide ban on importing four types of giant snakes, or taking them across state lines, may be challenged in federal court.

Lawyers for the United States Association of Reptile Keepers filed a lawsuit last week in federal court in Washington, D.C., against U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The North Carolina-based reptile industry trade association said the ban is unnecessary and is costing reptile breeders, handlers, hobbyists and vendors millions of dollars

An attorney representing the group said the ban applies a one-size-fits-all approach to a problem primarily affecting South Florida alone.

A Fish and Wildlife Service spokesman says the ban will help prevent non-native snakes from spreading and protects native wildlife.

The ban applies to Burmese pythons, yellow anacondas and northern and southern African pythons.

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