The Great Florida Python Hunt Finds Success on Day One of Program
With the Increasing Problem of Pythons in the Florida Everglades, State Opens Python Hunting Program
The python permit program, as it is being called, is set to run from July 17 to October 31, at which point the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will take another look at the policy. It will be at that time that data is evaluated based on how many snakes have been caught, and the decision is made about whether to extend or expand the program. Think of the current snake hunting policies as a way to see if a program such as this would actually work, and if it needs to be given even more "teeth" in order to finally get the python population under control.
The main reason that the South Florida python population has gotten so out of control lies squarely at the feet of former snake owners. With Florida residents and visitors leaving their snakes behind, and dumping them in the Everglades, it has led to an overpopulation of the snakes as they find homes and begin to breed out of control. That just creates even more snakes out in the wild, and with some of them growing to scary sizes, it becomes a danger not just to people who are living in the area, but to the other wildlife that calls the Florida Everglades their home. The snakes (pythons) tend to get pretty big, and when some owners find that they have become too big to remain a pet, or that the owner has to move to a new location where the snake can't go, the easiest solution has too often turned out to be abandoning the snake in the wild.
In the first day of the python hunting program, which opened on Friday, July 17th, a central Florida hunter captured a 9.8 foot Burmese python. It already shows that the program may have the right idea in mind, and it takes one more snake out of an area that could be hazardous to human visiting there. The basics behind the new program are that permit holders may search for pythons on several FWC wildlife management areas and lands. The opening day success of the program could mean that it is kept along to deal with an estimated 150,000 pythons that may live in the Florida wild. This is one of the steps being used to curtail the other problem, but all state residents should also take on some of the burden, and refrain from letting more snakes go into the Everglades.
Source: CNN Local
Published by Ryan Christopher DeVault
Born in Seattle, Washington, I am a 31 year old college graduate working in the field of Education and Research. I am also a professional freelance writer and news content provider. I can be reached at... View profile
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9 Comments
Post a CommentMy name is Jude Boyce...I was raised in a school bus by my hippie,nature loving, and far from the "norm" parents, Vernon and Sheila Boyce. who, by the way introduced me to a life second to none! what most would think was a harsh and cruel childhood, was filled with the teachings of whats really important! The creatures and life that lives and breathes among us...that we are all afraid of...what most call monsters, and killers! I caught my first snake at age 5..with the help of my hero,Vernon(my dad), who died 12 years ago from a serious disease. my curiosity grew as I did, and by the ripe age of 17 had captured my first deadly snake...a record breaking "5 foot' cottonmouth snake....I went on to rescue and release over 20 different poisionous and deadly species of snakes, and reptiles that call florida there home! I now have a beautiful family of my own and want to continue my life long dream of catch and release..and preservation of these beautiful creatures..I am eager and very willing to help out in this epidemic of overpopulation of deadly and misunderstood creatures..all i need is the greenlight, and for someone to let me in on this wonderful experience of preservation....please contact me (386)265-7508) save our snakes and reptiles!
Poor snakes my butt, they need to be controlled because of careless owners. Good for Florida
Poor snakes :(
Very interesting, thanks!
Great and interesting piece Ryan! I've heard lots of stories of the terrible problems these snakes have caused, having many friends living down in that area. I say shame on those owners...it's too bad they can't be caught!
UGH! I got a major case of the willies reading this!!! YUCK!
New York City has alligators in the sewers for the same reason that Florida has pythons in the Everglades--people don't think, they just do.
You never know what you'll find in Florida, where inconsiderate people buy all kinds of animals and plants and turn them out into our welcoming environment.
That is so terrible to turn a snake out like that... I think if one wants a pet snake they need to consider how big it will get. I wouldn't have one for a pet period.. not one of those.. I would love to have a small one, like a Ball Python.. I think it's called. I've handled those.