A TASK FORCE has been set up by the Ministry of Energy and the Environment to handle reports of sightings of large, imported snakes and rapidly respond to capture them.

Minister Elizabeth Thompson, in a release through the Government Information Service yesterday, said the task force would comprise Damon Corrie of the Caribbean Herpetological Society; Wayne Norville of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; Dr Julia Horrocks, a herpetologist from the University of the West Indies; a representative of the Veterinary Services of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development; representatives of the Barbados Defence Force and staff of the Ministry of the Environment.

A 24-hour hotline, 467-5757, would also be established for people to report sightings of snakes. In addition, cellular numbers 231-2975, 262-9984 or 233-8740 could also be called.

"If you see a snake, call the hotline immediately. Do not attempt to kill or capture it. If it is at all possible, keep the snake in sight or look to see where it goes as this would help to pinpoint its location to the task force when it arrives on the scene," Thompson said, echoing warnings Corrie has been issuing for the past two months.

Thompson also gave the assurance that "any snakes caught would be shipped off the island".

The minister also said Government already had controls in place to regulate the importation of snakes, but noted "there is a serious problem of the illegal importation of snakes and other exotic species of plants and animals through smuggling".

The release said importation of snakes was strictly regulated by the Veterinary Services of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. No licences were granted for the importation of venomous reptiles, particularly snakes that could attain a length of more than six feet at full maturity.

Further control was also exercised through the provisions of the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora Act which was passed by Parliament in February.

"The Cabinet has also approved a policy for the operation of zoos and pet shops on the island and this is now being drafted into legislation by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel. A key principle of that proposed legislation is that when animals, such as snakes, are allowed on the island through the grant of licences, they are kept in a manner which ensures that they cannot escape and that they are disposed of in an appropriate manner," Thompson said.

Corrie told the DAILY NATION last night he was glad more concrete steps had been taken to address the matter, as he "had not heard anything from them for the past two weeks" while some people were complaining of foot-dragging by officials.

At least ten large snakes, including Burmese pythons and Boa constrictors, are suspected to be on the loose in Barbados. Sightings have been made in St Peter, St James, St Joseph and Christ Church in recent times. (BGIS/BW)