Burmese Pythons in the United States
About
Trade of Burmese Pythons into the United States has been outlawed but existing pythons in captivity as well as established wild breeding populations pose threats to Florida's natural ecosystems.
Facts
-
According to the Cities records 112,000 Burmese Pythons have been imported to Florida since 1990
-
First established breeding population was found in 2000
-
Distributed across 1000 spuare miles of south Florida including all of Everglades National Park and areas to the north including Big Cypress National Preserve and Collier-Seminole State Forest
USGS on Burmese Pythons
-
USGS is working cooperatively with University of Florida, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, and South Florida Water Management District to develop methods for detection and control, predicting potential range of the species in the U.S., and conducting risk assessment to humans.
-
The widespread distribution and endless habitat across South Florida makes eradication of pythons almost impossible but controlling their numbers is vital to managing the ecosystem.
-
Researchers are working with institutions too potentially manage populations with genetic biocontrol.
Big Cypress National Preserve & Everglades National Park
About
-
The National Park Service manages 2,259,000 acres in South Florida.
-
At least two million people visit the parks every year
-
Historic land management practices has lead to degraded landscapes.
Ecosystem effects
​​
-
Pythons have no predators in the Everglades and reproduce rapidly allowing them to outcompete native species for resources
-
Southernmost areas of the Everglades where python populations are the highest have seen dramatic drops in native species, a 2012 study found that raccoon populations dropped 99.3%, opossums 98.9%, and bobcats 99.3%. Marsh rabbits, cottontails, and foxes have effectively disappeared
National Park Service Mitigation Efforts
-
Working with FWC and USGS to create statewide Burmese python Management Plan
-
Supporting multi year research programs to better understand ecological impacts, control and monitoring tools.
-
Expanding the parks Pythons Removal Authorized Agent Program to allow FWC python contractors to work in the park
-
Supported FWCs Nonnative Pet amnesty program to increase the number of exotic species adoption events to hopefully decrease the amount of pet owners releasing nonnatives into the wild
Laws on Trade and Ownership
The US Fish and Wildlife Service recently announced in 2012 a ban on the "importation and interstate transportation" of the Burmese python and other non-native snakes in an effort to prevent the spread of non-native snakes in the wild in the United States.
The rule specifically forbids the interstate transportation and importation of live snakes, viable reproductive assets, and hybrids of the Burmese python snakes. The rule does not prohibit the sale of snakes within a state if buyers do not attempt to transport them across state lines.
Before announcing the ban, the agency considered approximately 56,500 public comments as well as environmental and economic analysis. It reports lost economic output ranging from $10.7 million to $21.8 million per year, including lost trade in the snake ban
Most owners of these species would be allowed to keep their existing animals if state law permitted, but would be prohibited from transporting them across state lines. Businesses would be permitted to export the species within their state from designated ports with a Fish & Wildlife Service permit.
Ownership depending on state
For example, Article 14‑417.1. Regulation of ownership or use of large constricting snake such as the Burmese pythons and others are not allowed in the state of North Carolina
It is illegal to own, possess, use, transport, or traffic in any large constricting snake that is not housed in a sturdy and secure enclosure. Permanent enclosures must be escapeproof and have a lock that can be operated. Escapeproof transport containers must be designed.
The scientific name, common name, number of specimens, and owner's identifying information must be clearly and visibly labeled on each enclosure. A written safety protocol and escape recovery plan must be kept within sight of permanent housing, and a copy must accompany any large constricting snakes being transported. The emergency contact information, identification of the local animal control office, and first aid procedures must all be included in the safety protocol.
If a large constricting snake escapes, the owner or possessor must immediately notify local law enforcement.
Meet Truman!!!
-
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commision recently trained Truman, this Black Golden Retriever to detect pythons scent and alert handlers when they detect one.
-
They train the dogs with python scented towels, and live pythons with surgically implanted trackers to teach the dogs to pick up the scent.
-
The dogs are trained to stay 3 feet away from the snake so they do not get harmed.
Bounty Hunter
Contact/Report
To report:
FWC’s Exotic Species Hotline at 888-Ive-Got1 (483-4681)
Humane Manner on how to Kill a Burmese Python
1
STEP 1
Take the application of a tool (such as a stick) to the brain and it will start to lose conscientiousness
2
STEP 2
Apply pressure to the pythons brain by pithing it, which will stop the python from regaining conscientiousness
3
STEP 3
Once killed, contact for Python Pickup
​
Python Pickup Program: On private property these pythons must have been humanely at any time with land ownership permission- no permit required. For public lands, they may be killed humanely but with a permit on 25 public lands. Once killed they pick up the python and depending on its length give you a cash prize.