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Wildlife officials say this snake is the largest Burmese python ever to be removed from Big Cypress National Preserve in the Florida Everglades. (National Park Service.)NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
The Burmese python is a nonnative invasive species that threatens to destroy the natural wildlife of the south Florida Everglades ecosystem.
A statement released Tuesday by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced a milestone in efforts to restore the Everglades. The FWC, working together with the South Florida Water Management District, under the direction of Gov. Ron DeSantis, have removed 5,000 invasive Burmese pythons from south Florida’s Everglades.
“We’ve learned through the Python Challenge that experience counts when finding and removing Burmese pythons,” said FWC Commissioner Rodney Barreto. “We can’t win the battle alone. It’s one team, one mission. We need the support of these experienced python hunters as well as the partnership with the South Florida Water Management District and the ongoing support of Gov. Ron DeSantis.”
“Another win for the Everglades. This is what agencies like the South Florida Water Management District and the FWC, focused and working together, can accomplish,” said SFWMD Governing Board Member “Alligator Ron” Bergeron. “Every snake counts. Each invasive python eliminated represents hundreds of native Florida wildlife saved. With Gov. DeSantis’ continued leadership, Florida is doing more than it ever has to remove pythons from the Everglades and protect this ecosystem for generations to come.”
How did the Burmese python get established in Florida?
Irresponsible pet owners are the reason Burmese pythons became established in Florida. Escaped or released pets have reproduced to what the United States Geological Survey estimates to be a population of tens of thousands of Burmese pythons in southern Florida. It is illegal to release nonnative species into the wild and can negatively impact Florida’s native wildlife and habitat. The statement said pet owners can surrender nonnative or exotic pets without penalty through the FWC’s Exotic Pet Amnesty Program.. Visit MyFWC.com/PetAmnesty for more information.
How can the public help control nonnative invasive wildlife?
The statement said sightings should be reported to the FWC’s Exotic Species Hotline at 888-IveGot1 (888-483-4681), online at IveGot1.org or by using the free smartphone app IVEGOT1. Take a picture if possible and note the exact location of the sighting. “Python Action Team and Python Elimination Program members respond to reports of large constrictors and other priority species to remove these harmful invaders from the wild.”
