Most of you probably already know this. Especially you Florida folks.

http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.asp?speciesID=1085

The nile monitor has been introduced in Florida and its reproducing. As we all know FL is an ecological nightmare. Lots of non-native stuff. Frogs, boids, insects, lizards, mammals you name it. However in MHO the nile is going to have a serious impact.

People have found wild burmese in Florida. But lets think about that. A big burm might eat a rabbit every week or every other week. Or even less if it cant find food or doesnt bother to look.

An adult nile on the other hand would be very happy to eat a rabbit a DAY or every other day if it could get it. They are voracious predators. Almost always hungry. And they have the ability to take down all manner of prey. They can swim, they can climb, they can dig. They can get to places other predators simply cant. And they are powerful enough to take down some a wide range of prey. Its no surprise people are reporting missing cats...

As the article mentions they have a penchant for eggs. Which is going to lead them into the nests of alligators, tortoises and burrowing birds. The impact could be devastating. A nile will think nothing of consuming an entire clutch of alligator eggs and then moving on to the next mound. Bad news for a creature who has made such a strong comeback.

I love monitors but I wish people would be more responsible. This can only lead to trouble and possibly more bannings. Its just a shame. Extermination has been suggested. I truly wish there was another way but aside from capturing them and shipping them back where they came from I dont see another logical solution. Re-homing hundreds of feral, vicious adult niles just doesnt seem possible. Zoos certainly dont want them Im sure they have plenty of they are even interested in that species. Just a bad situation all around.

I dont think the iguanas have nearly the impact that niles do. Yeah, they may compete with native species for space, food, etc but nearly on this level. Plus the niles have the potential when full grown to be dangerous to humans. Perhaps not life threatening but they could mess ya up. And unlike a gator who tends to stay in or around water and nile could be any where! In a tree, under your house, in a pond, in your rabbit hutch after it tore through the screen. Just bad news.

Forgot to add: You folks in Florida, have ya seen any? Id be interested to know how many and where. And what they were doing.

This sounds like bad juju for sure. I have a friend who had a nile years ago and that bad boy was vicious! Looks like some more regulating is on the way of this isnt checked soon.....

Its bad juju.

Niles are a force to be reckoned with. Smart, strong, diggers, climbers, great swimmers and they eat A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G! They will forage and they will hunt. They will eat carrion but have no problem killing their prey. Eggs, birds, fish, reptiles, mammals, human garbage, its all on the menu.

How big do Niles get? I know my buddy's was rather large....

Six feet, maybe more. And the attitude that goes with it makes it, as Mike said, a force to be reckoned with. Don't leave the baby on the ground in the car seat!!! :eek:

I hate hearing stuff like this....Just brings more trouble for all reptiles =( I wish people were more responsible for what they have. Not just realease these reptiles when they out grow there ability to care for them or they lose their interest in them either way :mad:

Yeah like Quig said males can hit 6' or perhaps a bit more. Females usually hang around the 4-5' mark. Still a really big lizard.

Yeah like Quig said males can hit 6' or perhaps a bit more. Females usually hang around the 4-5' mark. Still a really big lizard.

Wow! Now that is a force to be reckoned with for sure! I dont think I would want to meet that guy while taking the trash out! :nono:

I hate hearing stuff like this....Just brings more trouble for all reptiles =( I wish people were more responsible for what they have. Not just realease these reptiles when they out grow there ability to care for them or they lose their interest in them either way :mad:

Unfortunately human nature is to buy things that either look, taste or smell neat. Impulse buying is the bane of reptile keepers everywhere. And it doesn't help when the guy at the pet store or reptile show, who just wants out from under all these critters, isn't selective in his choices as to who he/she sells to. You can buy a baby burm at a show for 30 or 40 bucks fer cryin' out loud. And that snake will out grow a twelve year old kid in a years time. I think the industry needs to set higher standards for itself and police it's own. JMHO.

Quig

Wow! Now that is a force to be reckoned with for sure! I dont think I would want to meet that guy while taking the trash out! :nono:

I don't know a whole lot on monitors :o(lol) just what V has told us on here so far..Thanks V .... but do they use thier tails as whips like iguanas?? Cause when I had iguanas I had a few mean ones and boy that tail hurt when they used it. I can't imagine a lizard 6' using one on ya??

I don't know a whole lot on monitors :o(lol) just what V has told us on here so far..Thanks V .... but do they use thier tails as whips like iguanas?? Cause when I had iguanas I had a few mean ones and boy that tail hurt when they used it. I can't imagine a lizard 6' using one on ya??


Yes they do. And they arent afraid to use it at all.

A tail whip from a full grown nile is like being struck with, well, a whip :). It will leave a nice welt and could possibly break the skin.

That is usually their first line of defense. First they will inflate and hiss. That means get away I dont like you. If the offender continues to approach they will get a tail whip. To the face if possible they can and will aim. If that fails as a last resort they will bite which is their best weapon. But in order to use that weapon they have to get close so they would rather put on a show and tail whip until its obvious they will need to bite to defend themselves.

It should be noted that even a nile (generally) will attempt to flee confrontation. They will fight if cornered or surprised. Or perhaps defending food, territory etc from a similar sized animal or their own species. But generally speaking they will avoid contact with humans if they can. Or any animal which appears larger and stronger than they are. For example if they are having a nice alligator egg brunch and momma shows up they are ghost. They know they cant take on momma so they will leave the food and flee. Of course if you happen to reach your hand into a burrow containing a nile he will not hesitate to let you know it. :D

Just imagine you are taking the trash out.... You reach down to pick up the overturned trash can and WHAM!!!!!! Something has your hand and is ripping it to shreds..... Not something I would want.

I agree that the industry needs to police itself more on who is buying these animals. Burms, retics, and big lizards all seem to be sold to whoever has money for them. Doesnt matter if its a 12 year old or grandma buying it for her spoiled rotten grandkid.... Vendors need to be able to say no, you cant handle this animal....
(dont beat me for this....)

Yup its all true. Ive seen every non native animal here in S.Florida. Heres some photos we took of a dead burm 5 miles from the everglades national park. (WARNING PICS ARE GRUESOME)

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b103/crisstyle21/Mysnakes308.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b103/crisstyle21/Mysnakes310.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b103/crisstyle21/Mysnakes314.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b103/crisstyle21/Mysnakes317.jpg

Yes they do. And they arent afraid to use it at all.

A tail whip from a full grown nile is like being struck with, well, a whip :). It will leave a nice welt and could possibly break the skin.

That is usually their first line of defense. First they will inflate and hiss. That means get away I dont like you. If the offender continues to approach they will get a tail whip. To the face if possible they can and will aim. If that fails as a last resort they will bite which is their best weapon. But in order to use that weapon they have to get close so they would rather put on a show and tail whip until its obvious they will need to bite to defend themselves.

It should be noted that even a nile (generally) will attempt to flee confrontation. They will fight if cornered or surprised. Or perhaps defending food, territory etc from a similar sized animal or their own species. But generally speaking they will avoid contact with humans if they can. Or any animal which appears larger and stronger than they are. For example if they are having a nice alligator egg brunch and momma shows up they are ghost. They know they cant take on momma so they will leave the food and flee. Of course if you happen to reach your hand into a burrow containing a nile he will not hesitate to let you know it. :D

That's kinda how I viewed them...Just wasn't sure if what all I knew was correct. I just remember those big iguanas tails hurt like he** and they weren't no where close to the size of a nile either. But even they would run if they had the chance. I mainly got whipped when they where in thier cages "cornered". I like the sound of the nile running rather then fighting though =) and Thanks for the info :)

[QUOTE=Chris;37237]Yup its all true. Ive seen every non native animal here in S.Florida. Heres some photos we took of a dead burm 5 miles from the everglades national park. (WARNING PICS ARE GRUESOME)

Looks pretty big...Have you actually came across live ones as well??? I mean duh they are there but just curious if you have seen any live ones??? and how big??

I have very strong feelings about niles. Which are not popular with those who keep them.

And Im not a fascist nor would I make the statement that NOBODY should keep niles. Its not up to me to decide who does what. But I will say 99% of the people who keep niles probably shouldnt. There are exceptions and Ive seen those exceptions online. People who have a passion for them. Are willing to devote the time, space and money to keep these magnificent animals. But the vast majority buy them on a whim since the babies are very pretty and you can often get them for $20-30. Maybe less, who knows.

And it becomes one of the largest lizards in the world with a mean streak a mile wide. Water monitors are bigger but easier to deal with. Blackthroats are big but once again not as crazy. Plus I dont see waters or blackthroats selling for $19.99

I LOVE seeing Pro Exotics sell choice water monitors for $200-300 dollars. Folks will at least THINK a little bit before their purchase. But for a few bucks, who cares. It becomes disposable. Ive said this before. How many adult niles are imported every year? Thousands. How many adult niles have you met during your time in the hobby? Not many, right? Where did they all go? Well some went to Florida apparently but most went downhill.

To me a nile is one of the worst choices for a captive herp. Big, mean, very active and an eating machine. And again before I get attacked by the REAL keepers I do know they exist. But you gotta have something special inside you to keep these guys in your house.

I love varanids. I have a bunch. I wouldnt keep a nile if you gave me one for free and he excreted tiffany cufflinks. I dont have the space or the patience. And thats the bottomline. Ive seen too many niles wasting away in 55 gallon fish tanks.

And I dont dislike them. I just think there are better choices if you really want a big lizard.

I love varanids. I have a bunch. I wouldnt keep a nile if you gave me one for free and he excreted tiffany cufflinks. I dont have the space or the patience. And thats the bottomline. Ive seen too many niles wasting away in 55 gallon fish tanks.

Yeah getting whipped by one of those not worth tiffany cufflinks for me. I see your point V and I agree with you.

Yeah getting whipped by one of those not worth tiffany cufflinks for me. I see your point V and I agree with you.

You gotta know yourself and what you're willing to do. Some people adore the giant snakes. They love retics and burms. I think thats fantastic. I had a few burms in my day. Its not my bag. You gotta know your limits.

Ive had friends who kept XYZ animal for a reason other than they liked it. They wanted to breed it, they wants a more eclectic collection, they got it for free, whatever. And as it turned out they were miserable and so was the animal. Now they have some big mean thing nobody wants and they begrudgingly take care of it. Dont want none of that.

You gotta know yourself and what you're willing to do. Some people adore the giant snakes. They love retics and burms. I think thats fantastic. I had a few burms in my day. Its not my bag. You gotta know your limits.

:yessir: Boas are my limit on size of the big snakes. I love the retics and burms but I don't have the space or time to devote to them as they deserve.

:yessir: Boas are my limit on size of the big snakes. I love the retics and burms but I don't have the space or time to devote to them as they deserve.

Boas would be my limit as well. Im not a burm fan at all but I do like the retics. Wouldnt own one though. Too big for me.

Boas would be my limit as well. Im not a burm fan at all but I do like the retics. Wouldnt own one though. Too big for me.

Psst...most all pure Super Dwarfs stay under 6ft... and you're not talking as girthy as an adult boa. :devil:

[QUOTE=Chris;37237]Yup its all true. Ive seen every non native animal here in S.Florida. Heres some photos we took of a dead burm 5 miles from the everglades national park. (WARNING PICS ARE GRUESOME)

Looks pretty big...Have you actually came across live ones as well??? I mean duh they are there but just curious if you have seen any live ones??? and how big??

Me I never ran across a live burm. Sometimes I crave to go out and find one in the wild and photograph one, but with FWCs laws you dont wanna be around a live burm. If they even see you close to one and you didnt report it, you'll be charged for the release of the snake. It'll be cool to see them. But I'd rather stay away from the promblems.

I did see atleast three monitors right were I work. Its pretty weird how the iguanas and the monitors hang with each other. As soon as I approach them they'll launch themselves into the canal where they live. I'll get some shots of them. Today Im pretty bored I might go feild herping.

Sadly Florida has become a dumping ground for unwanted too big for them critters and there do need to be RESPONSIBLE sellers as well as owners esp with the bigger ones like niles and burms.

BUt no matter what a sell is a sell and alot just dont care about anything but the money....not can they handle this one or that one.

We dont have anything here we cannot care for and why we got out of boas (for now) but just being responsible for what we can handle at this time...money, time & space wise.

This is just MY OPINION :machinegun:

I think the problem is all across the US jackasses are dumping unwanted pets and it just happens to be that florida is just perfect for them. Responsibility is a great idea but look at the way these same idiots treat everything else.

Responsibility is a great idea but look at the way these same idiots treat everything else.


Yessir, there are a##holes in EVERY profession. And they will never change.

we've had a few juvi 3-4 foot gators dumped around here. some are found swimming int he ponds, other turn up dead when winter is over. it's a damn shame.

I feelt eh saemw ay you do about niles V. I've always loved them but highly doubt I'd ever get one (less the whole, I won the lottery situation and could actually provide), the space and time it would take with one just isn't something I'd want to do.

I hate to say it, but I think extermination is the only possible solution to the problem if it gets bigger. relocation just isn't applicable.

Psst...most all pure Super Dwarfs stay under 6ft... and you're not talking as girthy as an adult boa. :devil:

Ive heard they are the devil though. True?

I think the problem is all across the US jackasses are dumping unwanted pets and it just happens to be that florida is just perfect for them. Responsibility is a great idea but look at the way these same idiots treat everything else.
I agree as DAF's everywhere

Responsibility is a great idea but look at the way these same idiots treat everything else.

Yeah some don't think nothing of even making a vid of themselves proving how much of a idiot they really are!!!

Ive heard they are the devil though. True?
The babies can be, however like most, with handling they calm down...but you're used to monitors man! :lol:

Lets clarify....SOUTH Florida is a dumping ground. In North FL, we do still get below freezing temps in the winter, so most non native animals don't really make it up here. Plus, there are ALOT of importers in South Florida. It is my belief that most of those released animals that are thriving were WC to begin with.

Lets clarify....SOUTH Florida is a dumping ground. In North FL, we do still get below freezing temps in the winter, so most non native animals don't really make it up here. Plus, there are ALOT of importers in South Florida. It is my belief that most of those released animals that are thriving were WC to begin with.

I dont doubt that. I dont think people are releasing many captive bred animals. Maybe a few burms since normal, huge burms are all but worthless dollarwise. Cant even give them away. Rescues are full of them.

Im sure the niles out there were WC. Since a captive bred nile would be a highly sought after treasure and most likely would wind up in the hands of a very serious keeper. At least I hope it would :yessir:

Not discounting the impact of niles, but We impact everywhere we go, we have done far worse by introducing cats and dogs then by burms or niles.... and continue to do so.... The old line of "Have you put the cat out..." comes to mind when it comes to our contempt for mother natures wonders.

This is just another mistake on our part.... in a whole long list of mistakes. I really don't blame the idiot that buys the cute little monitor from the store, but the damn store that has been allowed to sell them

I really don't blame the idiot that buys the cute little monitor from the store, but the damn store that has been allowed to sell them

My point exactly!!! :yessir:

This is just another mistake on our part.... in a whole long list of mistakes. I really don't blame the idiot that buys the cute little monitor from the store, but the damn store that has been allowed to sell them

I dont know who to blame. The kid who didnt do any research and bought it, the store, the wholesaler, the importer or the guy who caught the damn thing and put it in a bag in the first place.

Maybe its some combination.

Id love to see some type of control on the importation of niles, savs, etc. Then we would see more work being done on breeding them just like bearded dragons, ackies and other animals that are all but impossible to get otherwise. Who knows when and if that will ever happen.

And yes I agree dogs, cats, cattle, etc have done more damage than a few monitors ever will. This is just another instance of us messin' up the party.

I dont know who to blame. The kid who didnt do any research and bought it, the store, the wholesaler, the importer or the guy who caught the damn thing and put it in a bag in the first place.

Maybe its some combination.

Id love to see some type of control on the importation of niles, savs, etc. Then we would see more work being done on breeding them just like bearded dragons, ackies and other animals that are all but impossible to get otherwise. Who knows when and if that will ever happen.

And yes I agree dogs, cats, cattle, etc have done more damage than a few monitors ever will. This is just another instance of us messin' up the party.

Yeah, bps, niles and some other stuff should not be imported like they are..... but greed wins!


Problem here is, fish and wildlife ain't going get all jacked up about cats an dogs like they are reptiles.... because society won't accept that or support it. So society rolls on by oblivious to the impact cats and dogs have.

Lets clarify....SOUTH Florida is a dumping ground. In North FL, we do still get below freezing temps in the winter, so most non native animals don't really make it up here. Plus, there are ALOT of importers in South Florida. It is my belief that most of those released animals that are thriving were WC to begin with.

Yes there are irresponsible keepers that do release animals into the wild but I must say in my opinion the problem that is in S. Florida isn't because of private keepers like that media wants to push down our throats.

In in fact PIJAC has done some private studies in S. Florida that could prove that a big portion of these wild burms carry similar dna code. In in fact I believe PIJAC's scientist have a theory about what most likely caused the issues they have today. This is hear say but from a pretty credible source but it
s still hear say.

Their theory is that when hurricane "Andrew" hammered down on S. Florida, a large number of burms, niles, ect escaped, due to demolished importation facilities. I don't know for sure but I'm thinking they are going to try and show through there scientific research that a large portion of these animals can be linked back to this major incident.

This would show that private keepers are NOT 100% to blame for the situation in S. Florida that the media and extreme agenda driven animal rights groups have been singing for years now. All the while pushing and pushing for tougher laws regulating the private keepers, which most likely have very little to due with the problem in S.Florida altogether.


I'm not sure on the particulars but I believe PIJAC is in the process of releasing all this information to the media in the future.

Yes there are irresponsible keepers that do release animals into the wild but I must say in my opinion the problem that is in S. Florida isn't because of private keepers like that media wants to push down our throats.

In in fact PIJAC has done some private studies in S. Florida that could prove that a big portion of these wild burms carry similar dna code. In in fact I believe PIJAC's scientist have a theory about what most likely caused the issues they have today. This is hear say but from a pretty credible source but it
s still hear say.

Their theory is that when hurricane "Andrew" hammered down on S. Florida, a large number of burms, niles, ect escaped, due to demolished importation facilities. I don't know for sure but I'm thinking they are going to try and show through there scientific research that a large portion of these animals can be linked back to this major incident.

This would show that private keepers are NOT 100% to blame for the situation in S. Florida that the media and extreme agenda driven animal rights groups have been singing for years now. All the while pushing and pushing for tougher laws regulating the private keepers, which most likely have very little to due with the problem in S.Florida altogether.


I'm not sure on the particulars but I believe PIJAC is in the process of releasing all this information to the media in the future.

Good info Boss! Of course the government aint gonna hear it even if it is true.... face it, they just dont like us "weirdo reptile people" and would like nothing more than to pee in our Post Toasties....

Didn't hurricane Katrina result in the release of similar animals?

It makes perfect sense Larry.... which would be much to the dismay of hate groups like Peta etc....

I dont know who to blame. The kid who didnt do any research and bought it, the store, the wholesaler, the importer or the guy who caught the damn thing and put it in a bag in the first place.

Maybe its some combination.

Id love to see some type of control on the importation of niles, savs, etc. Then we would see more work being done on breeding them just like bearded dragons, ackies and other animals that are all but impossible to get otherwise. Who knows when and if that will ever happen.

And yes I agree dogs, cats, cattle, etc have done more damage than a few monitors ever will. This is just another instance of us messin' up the party.
You make a great point! And now that we have some of these animals being CB in the US, is there need for heavy importation, I don't think so? Maybe first they should limit importation, and then go after the invasive populations, and finally after those irresponsible stores and keepers. It's too bad that they have to try and put blanket legislation in place.

That is why hurricane evacuation plans are now required for anybody with permits to sale.

That is why hurricane evacuation plans are now required for anybody with permits to sale.

Which (dont hate me for this Floridians) makes some sense. BUT.... (always a but) this doesnt cover the average person who has 2 - 10 burms or whatever. All it takes is 1 adult female and male..... those bad boys throw some eggs!!!!

Now required to have permits for the "big snakes" and the big monitors, which require the evac plan, so yeah it does.

Which (dont hate me for this Floridians) makes some sense. BUT.... (always a but) this doesnt cover the average person who has 2 - 10 burms or whatever. All it takes is 1 adult female and male..... those bad boys throw some eggs!!!!

Yes sir, and not everyone is going to get a permit or has one either....

Now required to have permits for the "big snakes" and the big monitors, which require the evac plan, so yeah it does.

Well then I stand corrected! Thanks Jenea for keeping me straight! :yourock:

This is something that went into effect on Jan 1 of last year. All "species of special concern": Burmese/Indian Python , Amethystine Python , Reticulated Python , African Rock Python, Green Anaconda, and Nile Monitor are required to be microchipped and for you to have a permit to posses one. If you do not, then your in big dodo.


Here is a link that gives some info on our invasive species problem. It is just some interesting info.

http://myfwc.com/nonnatives/exotics/resultsClass.asp?taxclass=R

Good info Jenea! :yourock:

Yeah, thanks Jenea!!! Great info!!!!

I heard something about this but wasn't sure when it was in full effect though?? Thanks for sharing =)

Is that $100 per person a year or per snake a year?? I didn't fully understand that :o

In New York, my home state where I grew up, the following species are banned unless you have a permit:

Snakes
All venomous species as determined by the DEC
Burmese Python (Python m. bivittatus)
Reticulated Python (Python reticulatus)
African Rock Python (Python sabae)
Green Anaconda (Eunectes maurinus)
Yellow Anaconda (Eunectes notaeus)

Australian Amethystine Python (Morelia amethistina and Morelia kinghorni)

Indian Python (Python molurus)
Lizards
All venomous species as determined by the DEC
Asiatic (water) Monitor (Varanus salvator)
Nile Monitor (Varanus nilocitus)
White Throat Monitor (Varanus albigularis)
Black Throat Monitor (Varanus albigularis ionides)
Crocodile Monitor (Varanus salvadori)
Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodensis)
Crocodilians

I believe it is $100 per permit, and multiple animals can be listed on a permit. At least they can on my license to sell permit.

Yes there are irresponsible keepers that do release animals into the wild but I must say in my opinion the problem that is in S. Florida isn't because of private keepers like that media wants to push down our throats.

In in fact PIJAC has done some private studies in S. Florida that could prove that a big portion of these wild burms carry similar dna code. In in fact I believe PIJAC's scientist have a theory about what most likely caused the issues they have today. This is hear say but from a pretty credible source but it
s still hear say.

Their theory is that when hurricane "Andrew" hammered down on S. Florida, a large number of burms, niles, ect escaped, due to demolished importation facilities. I don't know for sure but I'm thinking they are going to try and show through there scientific research that a large portion of these animals can be linked back to this major incident.

This would show that private keepers are NOT 100% to blame for the situation in S. Florida that the media and extreme agenda driven animal rights groups have been singing for years now. All the while pushing and pushing for tougher laws regulating the private keepers, which most likely have very little to due with the problem in S.Florida altogether.


I'm not sure on the particulars but I believe PIJAC is in the process of releasing all this information to the media in the future.

Just what I believe. In 92 Hurricane Andrew came through South Florida and destroyed everything leaving nothing but rebble and animals. Being that S.florida imports so many animals I beleive 20% of the blame goes to this. Since animals are imported here breeders and wholesalers obtain these animals and sell them to petshops for a cheap price. The shops then go and sell anyone any animal without any knowledge of the animal or experience. The customer either loses the animal, or they release it on purpose when they can care for it anymore. To this very day there are still Flea markets and broke down shops that sell species of concern without any question of a permit.

hurricane andrew and bad owners have been bad for the reptile hobby but the bad owners are what really make me mad

Forgot to add: You folks in Florida, have ya seen any? Id be interested to know how many and where. And what they were doing.


Um....what are you thinking?? Are you tyring to......bring one into LIZARDTROPOLIS?

Unfortunately human nature is to buy things that either look, taste or smell neat. Impulse buying is the bane of reptile keepers everywhere. And it doesn't help when the guy at the pet store or reptile show, who just wants out from under all these critters, isn't selective in his choices as to who he/she sells to. You can buy a baby burm at a show for 30 or 40 bucks fer cryin' out loud. And that snake will out grow a twelve year old kid in a years time. I think the industry needs to set higher standards for itself and police it's own. JMHO.

Quig


Yes sir

Um....what are you thinking?? Are you tyring to......bring one into LIZARDTROPOLIS?

Noooooooooooooo.

No niles for me. I had them in the past. No more.

They get too big and they are mean. I have no patience any more for homicidal herps. Bad enough I have that freakin' croc. And hes not even mean! He just tries to avoid me. Ok he charged me once but I had food so...

Yeah Ive heard of a couple of tame niles. Wouldnt trust them as far as I could throw a piano. Same with retics. Dont trust'em. Not since one tried to eat me. Once again, I have nothing against retics. I think they're gorgeous. Just not for me.

When I dealt with niles in the pet shops, at my friends places and when I had my own, they were just such a handful. I think they are nice looking lizards and I give props to the folks who choose to keep them. But if I was gonna set up an enclosure large enough to house niles there are MANY other species I am MUCH more interested in. Id rather have argus, black roughnecks, brown roughnecks, peachthroats...Peachthroats! Yeah, Id rather have peachthroats! Or black roughnecks. Or both :D. Not in the same cage :D

Yes there are irresponsible keepers that do release animals into the wild but I must say in my opinion the problem that is in S. Florida isn't because of private keepers like that media wants to push down our throats.

In in fact PIJAC has done some private studies in S. Florida that could prove that a big portion of these wild burms carry similar dna code. In in fact I believe PIJAC's scientist have a theory about what most likely caused the issues they have today. This is hear say but from a pretty credible source but it
s still hear say.

Their theory is that when hurricane "Andrew" hammered down on S. Florida, a large number of burms, niles, ect escaped, due to demolished importation facilities. I don't know for sure but I'm thinking they are going to try and show through there scientific research that a large portion of these animals can be linked back to this major incident.

This would show that private keepers are NOT 100% to blame for the situation in S. Florida that the media and extreme agenda driven animal rights groups have been singing for years now. All the while pushing and pushing for tougher laws regulating the private keepers, which most likely have very little to due with the problem in S.Florida altogether.


I'm not sure on the particulars but I believe PIJAC is in the process of releasing all this information to the media in the future.

I think it goes farther than just 1 hurricane. Just about every year there is at least 1 hurricane that hands Florida its ass on a silver platter. I don't think its just the importers loosing the animals during hurricanes but owners as well. A typical person will be after saving their family & possessions before they think about saving a half dozen (+) lizards and/or snakes etc. Add in keepers with smaller vehicles and the idea of tossing a few niles in the backseat with the youngins goes out the window.

Noooooooooooooo.

No niles for me. I had them in the past. No more.

I am MUCH more interested in. Id rather have argus, black roughnecks, brown roughnecks, peachthroats...Peachthroats! Yeah, Id rather have peachthroats! Or black roughnecks. Or both :D. Not in the same cage :D

I like the peachthroats....they mighty kewl!

Glad to hear the NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO on the Nile.....can't hand;e him and Scarface.....