Pythons continue to be a problem in the Everglades

But the question is, how much longer until these snakes are disturbing other areas besides the Everglades? 


As of late, the Burmere pythons, which are native to Asia, are being blamed for most of the mid-sized mammals disappearance in the Everglades.  Starting as pets, once these snakes become to large to handle, their owners set them free into the wilderness, riding themselves of their burden. But now that burden is on the native species of the Everglades.  According to scientist Michael Dorcas who frequently does vehicle spot counts, there is a 99.3 percent decrease in raccoon observations, 98.9 percent in possums, 94 percent white-tailed deer,  and 87.5 percent in bobcats.  Although this method isn't always accurate, it gives a good indication of how the other species in the area are adapting to the predator--which is not very well.  Some scientists have questioned a disease theory, but there is no evidence to support it.  Dorcas points out that there hasn't been a snake this big in the Everglades in millions of years, so the animals that live there, who have been accustomed to seeing snakes, don't see them as being predators (which in turn leaves them being eaten).  These snakes have reached to the elite status of being the top predator.  There is also concern that these pythons will soon be able to adapt to colder climates, allowing them to spread. Biologist Susan Jewell says, "it's possible Florida's pythons could spread if they learn how to survive in colder weather...this can happen anywhere — and most likely will if these snakes get established."


So what is being done to try and stop this from happening? The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services are implementing laws so that it is illegal to import Burmese pythons or transport them across state lines (this ban also includes the yellow Anaconda and the northern and southern African pythons).  Inter-state trade is still legal.  As stated in the article, Jewell says the import ban won't help the Everglades — it's too late there.  The ban is simply meant to keep pythons and other constrictors from spreading.    Hopefully this means that there's a chance that these snakes will not extend their territory to anywhere else.  They could live almost anywhere in the Southern US, and I know for a fact that I do not want to walk onto my dock and see one of these swimming around. 


http://www.npr.org/2012/01/31/146124073/pythons-blamed-for-everglades-disappearing-animals