Pythons in the Everglades

Tracking Invasive Pythons in Florida's Everglades

Only a few decades ago a range of python species were introduced into Florida's unique Everglades ecosystem.  Since then they've bred, multiplied, grown and generally infested the marginalised park lands.

Some theories of the snakes methods of introduction point to irresponsible pet owners releasing their domestic pythons into the Everglades on the notion that the snake would do better in the wild (there are no native python species in the Everglades and "the wild" would really be more like India for most of these animals), others to hurricane damage of exotic reptile dealer's holding facilities, and most despicably, to exotic reptile breeders maliciously releasing these animals into the Everglades to increase breeding rates for later recapture and sale.  The jury is still out on where to point the finger.

Regardless of the argument about the genesis of this problem, it's up to biologists to learn the patterns of these animals and propose solutions to those responsible for managing the lands, the US Government.

This is the poison-ivy filled adventure of following the University of Florida and United States Geological Survey field biologists into snake country.