Meraki Misfits

12/20/2022

Woke up this morning to a clutch of eggs from a species we have never bred before. Needless to say we are pretty excited about it!

11/28/2022

Check out our boy! Get it little brother!

Hi everyone, my name is Pierce Plowman and welcome to Plowman Wildlife Experience!! We are a family owned and operated business of animal caretakers wanting to spread our knowledge and passion for wildlife as far as we can through positive animal interactions and educational programs with the public!
Does your little one enjoy animals? You can book us to bring a wild adventure to your child’s birthday party! Are you a school teacher looking for something fun for your class? We can bring our wild bunch to your school for an unforgettable hands on educational experience for your students!
Call us today to inquire about what we have to offer and stay tuned for more to come!

11/19/2022

Well well well, what have we here? Looks like 7 but a couple of them are pretty small from what I can see. Now time for the second leg of the long wait 😂

11/14/2022

This we have big sister stealing the show! She is a real beauty, and growing right up, pretty good sized for just under a year old.

11/06/2022

Eggs on the way soon!

10/30/2022

It's been a little while since we have posted a new but this young lady is coming along nicely, she had a bit of a slow start but you just about can't tell it now.

10/21/2022

Well folks It has been a minute since we have posted. We have had our hands full around here with a brand new baby in the house. That being said here is what we pulled a tub out to find today. It's always exciting to see breeding happening, and hopefully we see some eggs from it! 🤞

08/22/2022

Would y'all look at that something new showed up around here!! Just a big normal ass normal😉Thank you mister Nicholas Berg for sending this gem out to us can't wait for the other half! Oh yeah don't forget to go support USARK either! The Retic Exchange, TK Exotix

08/21/2022

Hey y'all, go and support USARK! Become a member, donate if you are able, spread the word!!! Oh and also check out this beautiful lady being all sexy! 🔥🔥🔥

08/20/2022

If you haven't yet y'all need to really think about becoming a member of USARK! They are fighting for the rights of reptile Keepers and need support from all of us.

"A judge is allowing the United States Association of Reptile Keepers Florida (USARK FL) to argue that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) lacks the constitutional authority to regulate captive animals under the facts presented in case number 2021-CA-977 in Leon County Circuit Court. USARK FL is challenging FWC's "Prohibited Species" rules, which they say have been detrimental to pet keepers and small businesses dealing with species such as iguanas and tegus. USARK FL says that FWC's enforcement of these rules has led to the confiscation and euthanasia of animals, as well as reptile breeders moving out of the state as economic refugees. Judge John C. Cooper granted the motion requesting permission to add this claim at a hearing held August 15, 2022."

An excerpt from the filing is included below:
"Since the filing of their original complaint, Plaintiffs have conducted substantial discovery and learned additional facts that require them to amend and clarify the claims and issues to be tried. Plaintiffs have learned additional information regarding the basis (or lack thereof) for Defendant Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (the “Commission”) promulgation of the challenged rules. Article IV, section 9 of the Florida Constitution grants to the Commission the “regulatory and executive powers of the state with respect to wild animal life.” "

"The Florida Constitution does not define the term “wild animal life.” Through discovery, the Commission, via its agency representative, has taken the position that its jurisdiction over wild animal life extends to any species that is not domesticated."

"The Commission has even taken the position that it may shutter an entire industry on the basis of misleading and untested economic risks and human health and safety risks..."

Read the full story and view supporting legal documents on USARK FL's website:
https://www.usarkfl.net/news/12886094

Photo of Albino Iguana by Travis deLagerheim

08/17/2022

Thought we would show off a few of the ball pythons that reside with us here. We absolutely love the amazing amount of variation that can occur within a species, aka morphs! If you enjoy these animals as much as we do go and show your support for USARK the people out there fighting for our rights to have them. Donate, become a member, or even just spread the word every little bit helps!

08/12/2022

Just had to show off one of these woma girls, they are pretty awesome animals! Hope y'all enjoy😁

08/08/2022

This little fella was wound up tight the other day! Firing shots off all over the place, so much attitude from such a small snake 🤣🤣🤣

08/06/2022

This little dude was on absolute fire today 🔥🔥🔥 that head pattern was almost ice blue!

07/31/2022

It's been a little while since we have done a sula Sunday video aaannnnddd since we had this lady out for a stretch we thought we would show her off 😁 She is sure looking great! 🔥🔥🔥 And as always gotta give that shout out to our boys James at The Retic Exchange and Travis at TK Exotix, yall need to show them sulas off 😉

07/30/2022

ALERT: America COMPETES Act of 2022 Lacey Act Amendments

UPDATE 7/28/22: We have been posting relevant updates on our main alert page at https://usark.org/2022lacey/. To be brief, the “CHIPS-Plus” bill that passed in the Senate passed the House on 7/28 (243-187 vote). This bill includes some of the technology initiatives included in the America COMPETES Act, USICA, and other bills. The portions of COMPETES that were not germane to the intent of the bill (including the bad Lacey Act amendments) were not added to the CHIPS-Plus package. This should be the end of any threat from these Lacey Act amendments for this Congressional session.

Thank you to everyone who contacted their legislators and voiced opposition! Your opposition is hugely important and needed. When advocacy groups like USARK meet with legislators, they give us more attention if they have been hearing from their constituents. The Reptile Nation is a huge part of USARK and we just want to say thank you again to those who took the time to fight for responsible h**petoculturists.

Also, a huge thank you to other animal keepers and organizations who opposed these Lacey Act amendments! USARK and h**p keepers were certainly not the only ones fighting. The stoppage of these Lacey Act amendments shows that various animal interest groups can work together and make a difference. Thank you!

Read below or at https://usark.org/2022lacey/ (more info and What To Do at link). We also have a spin-off post at https://usark.org/2022lacey1/ and an FAQ page at https://usark.org/2022laceyfaq/.

UPDATE 7/28/22: The "CHIPS-Plus" bill passed the Senate and then the House (243-187 vote). This bill includes some of the technology initiatives included in the America COMPETES Act and other bills. The portions of COMPETES that were not germane to the intent of the bill (including the bad Lacey Act amendments) were not added to the CHIPS-Plus bill.

UPDATE 7/27/22: This is the current version of the technology-focused "CHIPS-Plus" bill. No Lacey Act amendments are in this bill.https://rules.house.gov/.../files/BILLS-117HR4346SASA.pdf

UPDATE 7/20/22: After months of negotiations, the Senate voted to advance a $52 billion bill aimed at boosting domestic semiconductor production. The House may vote next week as this works through the process. This will take some pressure off the conference committee and the USICA/COMPETES reconciliation may fade away but keep contacting legislators through our alerts!

UPDATE4/7: House Representatives have been announced to the S1260/HR4521 reconciliation conference committee. See the list at https://usark.org/laceycomm/. An unofficial list of Senate members has been released (included at link).

UPDATE 3/29: A top priority on Capitol Hill is to pass the Bipartisan Innovation Act (this is the current name for the bill that will merge HR4521 and S1260). The primary goal of this bill is to boost high-tech research and chip manufacturing in the United States. Since the House and Senate passed different versions, the two versions must now be merged (reconciled). The process to conduct a formal reconciliation finally started Monday evening with a move from the Senate that replaced the text of HR4521 with the text of S1260 and sent it back to the House. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said the House should vote this week against the bill from the Senate. This downvote will trigger the formation of a conference committee with members from both chambers. That committee will reconcile HR4521 and S1260 to produce a final bill. Following a vote to begin a formal conference negotiation process, Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell must define the structure of the committee talks.

UPDATE 3/28: Following a roll call to limit debate on the measure (cloture), the Senate voted 68-28 to send its version (text from S1260) of this bill back to the House. Next, the House will reject this bill. This was the process needed to set up a cross-chamber conference committee to settle on the final language for the bill (reconciliation of the two bills).

UPDATE 2/14: As we have stated, the America COMPETES Act (HR4521) and U.S. Innovation and Competition Act (S1260) will be reconciled (merged) in committee. The merged bill will likely have a new name (promoting a “Make It In America” or similar moniker). As of this update, the House has yet to send the final version of HR4521 to the Senate (due to over 200 amendments being added on the House floor). Informal discussion on the reconciliation may begin this week. The formal Senate/House conference should begin in March. This issue of strengthening the U.S. economy (specifically in the technology fields) is a priority for many in Congress. Our mission remains to keep the Lacey Act amendments from being added to this or any other bill. Full alert at https://usark.org/2022lacey/.

UPDATE 2/4: This bill passed in the House and will go to the Senate. We will adjust our alert to contact Senators at the appropriate time. It was a slim margin with the final vote at 222-210.

UPDATE 2/1: The America COMPETES Act passed out of the Rules Committee, as expected. It will next go to the full House for a vote [debate on February 2]. Our goal is not to stop the bill but to get the Lacey Act amendments removed before it goes to the Senate. During today's hearing, Arkansas Representative Rick Crawford specifically cited the Lacey Act amendments as provisions that, "...would not stand a chance if they were vetted through regular order and the legislative process." The hearing was filled with opposition and pointed concern that this Act is far too broad and unfocused with an unreasonable number of amendments (over 600). The Act strays far beyond its stated purpose. Keep contacting your Representatives! (See https://usark.org/2022lacey/ for directions.) end update

Buried within the 2,912 pages of the America COMPETES Act of 2022 lie Lacey Act amendments that affect all non-domesticated pet owners and the greater pet community. 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. If your species of interest, even your pet, is listed as injurious (which could happen because it can survive outside somewhere in the U.S.), 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. This will trickle down to hundreds or thousands of common pet species.

The America COMPETES Act may pass in the House next week. If passed in the House, it will then be sent 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). The House Rules Committee will hear the America COMPETES Act on February 1, 2022. This is the same language we saw introduced by Florida Senator Marco Rubio as Senate Bill 626 in 2021.

Briefly, the amendments will:

1. 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."

2. 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 an injurious species and is banned from importation.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. The effective date would be one year after the enactment of this Act.

Read the relevant amendment text (these are pages 1661-1665) at https://usark.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2022-HR4521-excerpt.pdf.

In our landmark court decision, four federal judges agreed that USARK was correct and that the Lacey Act (Title 18 Section 42 of the U.S. Code) did not ban interstate transportation of injurious species based on the original language of the Lacey Act and the intent of Congress. As a result of this fight for our members and the h**petocultural community, this meant animals domestically bred under human care could be moved and sold across state lines (within the continental United States). For h**petoculturists’ concerns, this included some species of constrictor snakes and 201 species of salamanders.

SAMPLE MESSAGING and more at https://usark.org/2022lacey/.

07/26/2022

07/23/2022

Such beauty! 🤩 Can't wait to see her grow into her looks even further! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

07/16/2022

Happy World Snake Day! So so many to love, all the patterns and colors 🤩🔥🔥🔥 amazing animals that deserve a better reputation and far more respect than they receive.

07/14/2022

Just peeking out to say hello! 👋 We hope everyone has had a fantastic week!

07/07/2022

This is the first retic that I ever kept, I got him as a hatchling in 2007. I didn't know at the time that I had a handsome Sumatran fella. I just knew that he had orange eyes and was one of the most strikingly beautiful animals I had ever encountered. I also didn't know that he would be pushing 12 feet long within a year! I sadly lost him unexpectedly at a fairly young age (10 years old) from unknown causes. He taught me a lot about working with large constrictors, and sparked a love for retics, in particular large retics, that will be with me the rest of my days.

07/04/2022

All of us here at Meraki Misfits want to wish yall a Happy Independence Day!!! Have a great day and stay safe out there, and FL4K says enjoy the fireworks! 🎆🎇🇺🇲🇺🇲

07/04/2022

Got to go and remove an egg thief from the neighbors house yesterday evening. He was a very relaxed fella never offered to bite and just hung out with us for a bit. Going to find a good place away from people to release him today.

06/28/2022

These two are growing like weeds, no scratch that WILD FLOWERS! They are too gorgeous to be weeds! 🌼🌼🌼 With The Retic Exchange

06/26/2022

We have a few Kenyan Sand Boas here, if you love sand boas send us a msg so we can talk about them!

1.0 Nuclear (Age Unknown) - 136g
1.0 Striped (Age Unknown) - 64g (Not a recent photo, he's in the middle of shedding so didn't get an updated picture of him)

(No longer available) 0.1 Anery (2017) - 134g
(No longer available) 0.1 Snow (2021) - 20g

06/26/2022

Gaboons aren't the only ones who are good at camouflage! Enjoying some outside exploration time! with The Retic Exchange

06/22/2022

Tails crossed that we end up with some eggs this season! At least they are enjoying theirselves 🤣

06/19/2022

Hope all of you Dads out there are having a great day! Thought we would share our sulas with you on this Father's day as well as

06/18/2022

Someone is quite well hidden! 🫣😁