An article about a supposed reptile ban has been making it's way around social media. It has a headline designed to frighten any herper: "BREAKING NEWS: NC Reptile Ban Legislation! HSUS to Push for Dangerous Wild Animal Legislation in NC; Boas, Pythons and Venomous at Risk." Sounds really ominous, doesn’t it?

The article was based on information posted on the website of Carolina Tiger Rescue (CTR), stating CTR will join with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to introduce a bill that "bans bears, non-human primates, and wild cats." It further states this "legislation has nothing to do with farming practices. It is about bears, nonhuman primates, and wild cats. Not pigs. Not chickens. Not cows."

Nevertheless, that hasn't stopped speculation by voices intent on inflaming the community with messages saying things like “this legislation may cover more than big cats. The HSUS model Dangerous Wild Animal (DWA) legislation, for which they received the stamp of approval from the American Bar Association (ABA) Animal Law Committee in 2014, includes large constrictors (even boa constrictors) and venomous snakes."

It should be noted that the above referenced model legislation has not been adopted by the ABA; but is merely a recommendation by a committee.

A simple phone call to the executive director of CTR, Pam Fulk, immediately answered the speculation as to whether the legislation included or would include reptiles or amphibians. Fulk responded that such speculation is "absolutely untrue." She said the legislation is in its final process of review, adding, "People are already making things up."

When a group has any association with HSUS, USARK is vigilant to verify their statements to us. USARK has mechanisms in place to identify legislation introduced in all 50 states, including amendments to existing laws that would affect the herp community. Let's not speculate, and waste our energy and activism, when we can verify, and focus our efforts on confirmed threats.