Burmese Pythons – Invasive Species in Florida

Burmese Pythons (Python bivittatus) are a large, non-native species of snake that have become an invasive species in the state of Florida. Native to Southeast Asia, they were introduced to the Florida Everglades in the late 1990s as part of the exotic pet trade. Since then, they have established a strong population in the region and have become a major problem for the area’s native wildlife.

The Burmese python is one of the largest and most powerful snakes in the world, capable of growing up to 20 feet long and weighing up to 200 pounds. They feed on a variety of animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. This makes them a serious threat to the native species of the Everglades, as they can out compete them for resources and even prey on them. These snakes are also capable of reproducing quickly, with females laying up to 100 eggs at a time.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has implemented a number of measures to help reduce the population of Burmese pythons in the Everglades. These include offering a cash reward for the capture of these snakes, as well as providing educational outreach and training to help people learn how to properly identify and handle these animals. The FWC also encourages people to report sightings of Burmese pythons to help them track the size and location of the population. Finally, the FWC has established a program that allows for the humane euthanasia of the captured snakes.

Despite the efforts of the FWC, the population of Burmese pythons in the Everglades continues to grow. As a result, it is important for people to be aware of the potential danger posed by these animals and take appropriate precautions when encountering them.