Burmese Pythons: The Hunter is Now the Hunted

Many public officials in Florida sprung into action and declared war against an exotic species that is invading the Florida Everglades. Currently, there is a new task force which was setup to deal with this growing problem that residents are facing. According to Austin (2009), the Burmese Python is now being hunted and killed by the Python Patrol. New laws are aimed at slowing the "population explosion", while making snake owners "register their exotic pet" and follow more "stricter guidelines".

Whyis it a problem?

The giant python has the ability to reach an enormous size and weight, which has South Florida speaking out about these snakes. According to Austin (2009), there is estimated to be about 10,000 snakes, but others say there are actually more snakes hunting in the Everglades. Now, there are reports of these snakes swimming and traveling to other neighborhoods and cities in Florida. However, these snakes pose a potential danger, no matter where they reside.

Where did it start?

Experts are unclear on how the snake became a problem in Florida, yet some say they were pet snakes that were released in the wild. However, others blame Hurricane Andrew for this new threat Florida is facing with this invasive species. According to Science Daily (2009), agree that the Florida Everglades National Park will belong to these snakes as long as nothing is done. They also speculate that these serpents will begin spreading throughout the southern part of the United States.

Sparking the Debate

Unfortunately, many officials are worried about Florida Everglades, which is home to some unique native yet endangered species that are in need of protection. According Padgett (2009), officials believe that the invasive snake population is threatening the everglades wildlife. Furthermore, he states that the predator is trying to become the "top of the food chain", which is "unnatural". Without a task force to stop this invasion, these pythons may continue to spread across the southern states.

How will this help?

Recently, in early July, the local government of Florida declared war of the Burmese Python, in order to stop the snakes from continuing to invade the fragile eco-system. Additionally, new state laws will require Florida exotic snake owners to have their pet snake registered and "micro-chipped". According to Austin (2009) the city workers are being trained to spot snakes, as they help residents throughout the Florida cities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the new Python Patrol task force is being put together, in order to catch and kill all the serpents that they can find. Fortunately, these wranglers will be helping the eco-system of the Florida Everglades and protect unsuspecting visitors. Hopefully, the new laws will help detour the spread of these predators and track the current number of pet snakes. Therefore, by waging a war against these snakes, the public officials hope to stop the invasion Florida is facing.

References :

Austin, J. (2009) Florida Stopping a Burmese Python Invasion
Retrieved on August 15, 2009, from the World Wide Web
http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/florida/science/art24101.html

Padgett (2009) Postcard from the Everglades
Retrieved on August 15, 2009, from the World Wide Web
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1909404,00.html?xid=newsletter-daily

Science Daily (2009) Python Snakes, An Invasive Species In Florida,Could Spread To One Third Of US
Retrieved on August 15, 2009, from the World Wide Web
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080223111456.htm