Four snake species banned in April

Four snake species banned in April

They may not be the most cuddly pets, but a pet regardless for people like Josh Lawrence.

He heard about the snake ban announced by Interior Secretary Ken Salazar.

As a reptile expert and owner, his thoughts on the ban may surprise you.

"Personally, I don't really mind because any snake that is over 15 feet.... you should have two people for and really you don't need that as a pet at a home," said Lawrence.

In April, the Burmese python, Northern and Southern African pythons, and Yellow anacondas with their eggs will no longer be allowed into the United States.

It's all in an effort to stop the destruction these snakes can create when released into the wild.

Catherine Garner once owned a python.

She says, "I had a big snake and it got out. It could have eaten my cat, could have eaten the dog. It's not a good idea."

She's since given it away. Her take on the ban parallels Lawrence's.

"Some people that do have the big snakes I think it's going to bother and the people who are all real gung-ho about them but I think people would understand why that there's a ban because it's for the safety of other people," said Garner.

Lawrence added, "You should be able to own whatever you want but if it is putting other people's, if it can get out and put someone else's life at risk then there should be restrictions on it," said Lawrence.

The species ban is set to start at the end of March. Those who already own the four banned species will be grandfathered in. But people who import them faces 5 years in prison and a $250,000 dollar fine.

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