Comment on FR Doc # 2011-28942

I am a falconer and raptor propagator. Some of the raptors I possess for falconry and raptor propagation are, and have been, hybrids between native and non-native raptors. I oppose the proposed change to the definition of “hybrid” to include hybrids between native and non-native raptors. The MBTA explicitly limits FWS authority to regulate only native raptors. Hybrid raptors of any type, including hybrids between two native species and hybrids between a native species and a non-native species, are not a “native species” as defined by the terms of the MBTA. As such, FWS has no authority to regulate any raptor hybrids and the proposed amendment should not be implemented. Additionally, FWS should not spend resources regulating an entirely new class of animals but should rather focus their limited budget on native species. Regulating hybrid raptors should be left to the states, same as every other non-native species. Please see attached file for supporting letter and argument.