MIAMI - New rules may soon make it more difficult to buy a python in Florida.
While it's easy today and no questions are asked, Florida wildlife commissioners will take a look Feb. 6 at some possible changes.
Prospective python purchasers and an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 current owners would be required to get a state permit and have a veterinarian insert a microchip - similar to the IDs routinely implanted in traditional house pets - into the cold-blooded critters.
There won't be criminal checks or three-day waits as for handguns, but the proposals would make it more difficult and more expensive to buy a Burmese python or five other large exotic reptiles.
Buyers would have to fill out a questionnaire describing their knowledge of any one of the covered species - Burmese, reticulated, African rock and amethystine pythons, green anaconda and the Nile monitor lizard. Owners would also get a visit from wildlife inspectors to make sure the snake cage is sturdy.
Pythons are among the largest snakes in the world, sometimes topping 20 feet in length.
The cage requirements and inspections would be similar to those already required for owners of venomous snakes.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission also plans to start an education campaign to coincide with the tougher rules.
"'Responsible pet ownership is what we're aiming for," agency spokesman Valli Finney said.
The rules, if approved, would take effect Jan. 1, 2008. People who already own snakes would have to file for permits by then, but would have until July 1, 2008, to get microchips implanted.
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