One thing the state of Florida doesn’t want you to see on your Everglades airboat tour is the Burmese python. The rapidly-growing population of Burmese python in the State of Florida has prompted wildlife officials to reach out to volunteers to capture these snakes. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is now holding monthly informational sessions about identifying and capturing Burmese pythons for the general public.
The Problem with Burmese Pythons
Experts report that there are currently 150,000 Burmese pythons living in the southern half of Florida. These snakes are the leading predator in the Florida Everglades. According to the U.S. National Park Service, Burmese pythons are among the largest snake species on earth and are now known to be breeding around the Florida Everglades. Park officials report that 2,000 pythons have been removed since 2002 and the release of these snakes into the park has had, and can have, devastating consequences.
Pythons prey on native wildlife, including mammals, birds, and even alligators. This can be problematic for the Florida Everglades ecosystem and puts many endangered plants and animals even more at risk. These snakes were first spotted in the 1970s and have continued to make appearances around the park. They are a non-venomous species.
Python Population Control Methods
The National Park Service has invested a significant amount of resources to get the Burmese python population under control. Detector dogs have helped to locate pythons throughout the park and the NPS has collaborated and partnered with several agencies and organizations to further support its efforts.
The monthly training sessions for the general public may or may not help. According to University of Florida, senior herpetologist Kenneth Krysko told Reuters that the entire approach is, ‘…ridiculous. You can’t have Joe Schmo grabbing these snakes.” Krysko does not believe that civilian intervention will help to reduce the python population in the Florida Everglades. Volunteers that do want to participate in the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s efforts can complete a training class and apply for a permit to hunt for snakes on approved properties. The folks at Wild Florida are happy to explain more about what it means to Florida’s ecosystem if you do happen to see the python on your Everglades airboat tour. Purchase your ticket to our wildlife and nature park by clicking here: Buy Tickets.
