Florida Launches Massive Snake Roundup
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State hopes to radically reduce unwanted python population.
Following the tragic death of two year old girl by a pet albino Burmese python in early July, 2009, the state of Florida has instituted a program to reduce the population of the imported reptiles. The snake has no natural predator and its number has grown to the tens of thousands due to owners releasing unwanted pets and the accidental release from pet stores during the devastation of Hurricane Andrew.
image via wikipedia
Permits are being issued to those who possess a Reptile of Concern license and have been screened by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. The program will run through October 31, 2009 at which time it will be evaluated to determine if changes are required. It is not a bounty program. The state will make no payments but trappers will be allowed to sell the skin and meat and retain the proceeds. Firearms and traps may not be utilized–only nets and snares. Snakes must be killed with a blunt or sharp hand-held instrument.
While the roundup will be centered in the Everglades there have been several recent sightings in central Florida, as well. Recently a 14-foot Burmese python was captured after a two week search in Lake County. The snake is believed to have been responsible for the disappearance of numerous neighborhood cats and dogs. Neither state wildlife officials nor county animal control officers will respond to snake calls citing the difficulty factor and the costs involved. Some suggest the cost in man hours alone can reach upwards of $4,000.00 to track down and capture one python.
Florida FWC press photo indicating difficulty factor in spotting Burmese python in the wild
More than 112,000 pythons have been imported into the U.S. in the past 20 years. Only 311 were removed from the Everglades in 2008. They are presently dining on the Key Largo woodrat, a federally endangered species. The U.S. Geological Survey indicates the reptile could adapt to Florida conditions from the ‘glades to the panhandle.
image via wikipedia
The Burmese python can grow up to 26 feet in length and weigh up to 200 pounds. The largest captured so far in the Everglades is 16 feet, weighing 150 pounds. While it prefers to live near water, trappers need to be aware that the reptile is an excellent climber and could be lurking above in the next mangrove tree.
Females lay between 50 and 100 eggs, keeping them warm by twicthing muscles which generates heat. Incubation can last as long as three months. The young hatch and are on their own.
To keep a python as a pet in Florida a license is required which costs $100. Specific caging requirements must be met. Those with a diameter of two or more inches must be implanted with a microchip identifying it and the owner. It is against the law to allow one to escape or to release one into the wild.
13 Comments
Interesting article. I used to want a pet snake, but ended up with an iguana instead. It eventually died.
Wow, interesting, wouldnt have thought about escaped snakes from the huricane…
Wondering about the 2 yr old, what were the circumstances? Anyone who isnt keeping an eye on a kid that young, allowing enough time for a snake to encircle and squeeze it is probably not a good parent. The snake just did what was natural, where were the parents????? Seriously people – watch your kids better!
I am glad you mentioned it is illegal to release a pet snake into the wild as I am sure many people do this with pets who outgrow their tanks
When one owns a pet ,one should take care that it does not harm anyone.
Sad for the child. But the snake looks cute.
I have heard about this in the local news. It was a terrible accident. I have dogs and a bird but I never wanted snakes.
I bought a pet burmese python about 1.5 feet long a year ago and wonder how it compares to grow with my retic python. I left them at home in the Philippines. Pet trade must be controlled, imagine that a piranha could be bought in the pet shop in my home country for a small amount. Nice article, Ken. I do hope you could get rid of those burmese since it has a reputation for striking its victim stealthily. They have a voracious appetite too.The skin also blends well with anything so always look behind before you lie on your sofa.
I had a friend who had a small python. It was pleasant to handle, and seemed calm. However, it was too small to harm a human, and it was well-fed. Reptiles don’t have the psychological set-up that mammals do, and expecting them to respond affectionately is misplaced anthropomorphism.
As always excellent article Ken,very well reseached and very interesting! It sure does cost a lot to catch one snake!!It would give me the creeps to live in flordia ebcause of those massive beasts 200 pounds!! A highly enjoyable read!
good pictures of your beautiful snakes, can i have one.
Good thing they are trying to control it. Even with needing a license I bet there are hundreds with none. Good article Ken
I heard about the death of that poor baby on TV. I know the man didn’t dream the snake would get out but as a mother I don’t think I would allow a python to be any where near a child.
I’d read about the child just the other day, how tragic! I think the laws in the UK are far stricter for keeping exotic pets.
Great article. I saw a documentary years ago that dealt with all the wild species of foriegn monkies that live around some airport in florida, because smugglers release them when they are in danger of being caught by customs. I have heard there have been many other exotic species released in florida. You put out some very good info in this writing.
I have know a man who had several snakes as pets. I refused to go in his house.They are sometimes not taken care of properly as you post states. TX for the info,