The Momz Love Reptiles! Who'da thunk!

What is USARK FL? The United States Association of Reptile Keepers Florida (USARK FL), was formed to promote conservation, responsible husbandry, the welfare of reptiles and amphibians, and the hobbyists and businesses both in Florida and those throughout the world that conduct business in Florida. We will accomplish this through science, education, and conservation-based advocacy for the responsible private ownership of reptiles and amphibians.​  We endorse caging standards, sound husbandry, escape prevention protocols, Best Management Practices, and an integrated approach to vital conservation issues.  Our goal is to facilitate cooperation between Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the scientific community, and the private sector in order to produce policy proposals and proper rules that will effectively address important husbandry and conservation issues. The health of these animals, public safety, and maintaining ecological integrity are primary concerns. We will follow our mission while defending Florida's stakeholders against overreaching and improper regulations.

What is happening…  1/28/22: Buried within the 2,912 pages of the America COMPETES Act of 2022 (HR4521) lie Lacey Act amendments that affect all non-domesticated pet/animal (i.e. all animals except dogs, cats, and traditional farm animals) owners. COMPETES is an acronym for Creating Opportunities for Manufacturing, Pre-Eminence in Technology and Economic Strength. The stated purpose of the Act is to strengthen America’s economic and national security but obviously, this was slipped into the massive bill in hopes to go unnoticed.  

The amendments would reverse the USARK federal lawsuit victory by reinstating the ban on interstate transportation of species listed as injurious under the Lacey Act. The bill would also create a “white list” (see #2 below) that could affect millions of pet owners, as well as pet businesses. Could your pet or species of interest (not just reptiles) potentially survive in southern Florida or any other location in the U.S.? Then it could be listed as injurious for just that reason! If this passes and your species of interest, even your pet, is listed as injurious, then it cannot be transported across state lines. That means you could not even take a pet with you if you moved to another state or needed veterinary care across a state border. This does not just ban sales but prohibits all interstate transportation and importation into the U.S. This will trickle down to hundreds or thousands of common pet species.  

The America COMPETES Act passed in the House on February 4. It now goes to the Senate to be reconciled with an innovation policy package called the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act, or USICA, that passed in the Senate last year. The America COMPETES Act is the House Democrats’ response to USICA (which does not contain the Lacey Act amendment). This is the same language we saw introduced by Florida Senator Marco Rubio as Senate Bill 626 in 2021.  

How can you help? Additional information at https://usark.org/2022lacey1/.  

Briefly, the amendments will:  Provide that the Lacey Act bans the interstate transport of species listed as injurious. Specifically, it replaces Lacey’s current language ‘‘shipment between the continental United States’’ with ‘‘transport between the States.” Create a “white list” of species that can be imported. This means that any animal (reptile, amphibian, fish, bird, mammal) that is not on the white list is by default treated as potentially injurious and is banned from importation. Create a new authority allowing FWS to use an “emergency designation” that becomes effective immediately after being published in the Federal Register unless an extension of no more than 60 days is allowed. That means no due process, public input, hearings, advanced notice, etc. for injurious listings. Permit FWS to not allow importation if a species has not been imported in “minimal quantities” (to be defined) in the year prior to the enactment of this Act. The effective date would be one year after the enactment of this Act.

Join Lori and Noah Barczyk and their team as they build the Legasea Aquarium...

Sadly, Brian Barczyk did not realize his dream of seeing the LegaSea open, But, Lori and Noah are working hard at seeing Brian's dream come true. "Brian Barczyk was an expert on wildlife, with a passion for teaching animal-lovers of all kinds about the fun and crazy world of reptiles."  The Barczyk's reptile and exotic animal zoo called 'The Reptarium' is where you can learn everything reptile. 

Paul has a combination of farm animals, reptiles, turtles, fish, birds and fun on his channel. If you enjoy creatures of all kinds, then this is the channel for you. Join him in all kinds of exciting adventures.

 OFR is a not-for-profit that focuses on rescuing mainly fish. In many situations, fish grow too large for the average fish enthusiast. OFR rescues them so that the fish can have a place to live out their best lives.

"NOTHING we do is small and everything we do helps the pet fish hobby.

We created the Ohio Fish Rescue to take in pet fish and either find them new homes or  keep them here with us in our huge in-home aquatic paradise. We've just reached over 200,000 gallons of loving aquarium space and pool/pond, we like to say that the occupants here need every cubic inch of it!!

The fish are huge, the tanks are huge and our love for the fish is huge too!"

So join Big Rich and Josh as they work miracles to save these amazing creatures. STAY FISHY!

Join Jay Brewer at Prehistoric Pets..."a one-of-a-kind pet store in Fountain Valley, California specializing in exotic pets, such as snakes, lizards, and tortoises!" Jay is also a reptile breeder of giant Reticulated Pythons, and has many different species of the largest lizards and gators around. Join Jay who is "living the dream" doing what he loves.

Chandler shares his wild life and adventures with flare. He has venomous snakes, lizards, crocs, camans, gators, an incredible owl, predatory fish and more. His goal is to educate, teach conservation and to entertain. All of which he succeeds at!

"Here at Kamp Kenan, we love Reptiles and all sorts of misunderstood creatures and we want you to love them too. That is why we do what we do. Animal Conservation in the modern world matters, and we're out here living it and doing it every day. This is real life, these stories are real, and our sole purpose is to educate you so that you can learn something new every day and perhaps get involved yourself. It's that simple. Let's create a new generation of educated Animal Enthusiasts and spread the love. Remember, Conservation is an Action Sport!"

Join the fun with Emily & Ed at their reptile store and zoo.

"I have always had a passion for exotic pets. I was hardcore into parrots throughout college, and after I achieved my Bachelor's degree in Fisheries & Wildlife, I dove into the world of reptiles and pursued a career in exotic animal education.   I started by working as a Naturalist for the Department of Natural Resources, where my job was to create educational programs about wildlife, trees and plants, insects, geology, etc. Naturally, my favorite programs were the ones that incorporated wildlife, especially reptiles and amphibians.   After my temporary position with the DNR ended, I wanted to continue it on my own! So, I started up a small business for which I travel teaching people about reptiles. Now I go to schools, libraries, scouts, and more, to share my love of these often misunderstood animals.   My YouTube videos provide them (and you!) with care tips and fun facts to encourage further learning!  This channel is rated PG.."

"Garden State Tortoise is home to hundreds of animals from all around the world. We are a family dedicated to adventure, conservation of wildlife, and all things nature. We are a reptile rescue and breeding facility for more than ten years, offering refuge to those who need it, and working everyday to protect the beautiful world of reptiles in any way we can."

Join Adam Wickens, "the host of WWR can be found talking to a camera in his basement surrounded by reptiles or you might spot him at your local reptile expo or comedy club." "Our goal is to provide the most accurate information about reptiles in the most entertaining way we can. Lets Learn About Reptiles Together and lets have fun doing it!"

 Meet the Veezy Kids. Join Papa Veezy, Anthony, Jaylah, Alyssa, Ryanna and Momma Veezy for fun and adventure. Follow them as they do a bunch of crazy stuff and work on their farm. The Veezy Farm has pigs, goats, chickens, ducks, llamas, dogs, Predator fish, Tropical fish, Reptiles including a Cal. King snake, geckos, Mangrove monitor, named Godzilla, turtles and more, "Come learn about animals and hang out with us! "

"Father and son combo who do stuff and blah blah blah..."

" This channel is all about my daily life here on Blake’sExoticAnimalRanch!"  

B.E.A.R. has an incredible otter enclosure, capybarras, turtles, tortoises, a 6000 gallon monster fish tank, a huge aviary, munkjack deer, gators, caiman, racing pigeons, emus and so many other exotic birds and animals. They also have a sister channel: The B.E.A.R. Fam which follows the birth and life of son Kash, mom Kenya and Blake. Enjoy watching their many adventures.

 "Follow me on my journey filled with Monitor Lizards and outdoor adventures! See you soon!"