A Burmese python stretched out in the grass in the Everglades.
Can invasive pythons be eradicated?
The odds of eradicating an introduced population of reptiles once it has spread across a large area is very low – pointing to the importance of prevention, early detection, and rapid response. With the Burmese python now distributed across more than a thousand square miles of southern Florida, including all of Everglades National Park and across the southern coast to Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, the chances of eliminating the snake completely from the region is low. However, controlling their numbers and preventing their spread out of the area, are critical goals for conservation efforts and land managers.
Related Content
Are large constrictor snakes such as Burmese pythons able to kill people? What is the risk? Would this be in the wild, or in backyards?
Human fatalities from non-venomous snakes are very rare, probably averaging one or two per year worldwide. All known constrictor-snake fatalities in the United States are from captive snakes; these are split between deaths of snake owners who were purposefully interacting with their pet and deaths of small children or infants in homes where a snake was kept captive as a pet. There have been no...
Are there invasive reptiles other than Burmese pythons in the United States that people should be concerned about?
Free-ranging, non-native reptiles representing dozens of species from around the world escape or are illegally released in the United States every year. Many of these species fail to establish reproductive populations, but some are successful. Florida is a major transportation hub and has a climate that is suitable for many invasive species across taxonomic groups. Due to the suitable climate, and...
Can Burmese Pythons swim from the Everglades to the Florida Keys?
A number of Burmese pythons have been found on Key Largo, and a few in the Lower Keys. Because pythons regularly escape or are released from captivity, it can be difficult to determine whether a snake encountered in the Keys arrived there by swimming from the mainland or was a former captive pet on the island. Given the python’s ability to disperse via salt water, expansion into neighboring...
Could invasive pythons move into cities?
In their native ranges, many python and boa species are often found living in suburban and urban areas. In Florida, Boa constrictors and Northern African pythons live in or adjacent to the Miami metropolitan area. As with alligators, the risk of attacks on humans in urban areas is very low.
How have invasive pythons impacted Florida ecosystems?
Non-native Burmese pythons have established a breeding population in South Florida and are one of the most concerning invasive species in the area. Pythons compete with native wildlife for food, which includes mammals, birds, and other reptiles. Severe declines in mammal populations throughout Everglades National Park have been linked to Burmese pythons, with the most severe declines in native...
How many Burmese pythons inhabit southern Florida?
It is incredibly difficult to estimate the true population numbers of Burmese pythons in South Florida. Burmese pythons can survive in and utilize a variety of habitats found in the region, and many of these areas are difficult to access and effectively survey. Conservatively, tens of thousands of invasive Burmese pythons are estimated to be present in the Greater Everglades region. Learn More...
What should I do if I see a python in the wild?
If you see a python in the wild – or suspect that a snake is a python or an invasive snake – you should take the same precautions for these constrictor snakes as one would take for any wildlife: avoid interacting with or getting close to them. If you are in Everglades National Park, you can report a python sighting to a park ranger. You can also report the animal via the “Ive Got 1” reporting...
Where are Burmese pythons or other large constrictors distributed in Florida?
The Burmese python is now distributed across more than a thousand square miles of southern Florida from coast to coast. This includes Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Park, Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area, Big Cypress National Preserve, Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, Picayune Strand...
Are invasive snakes dangerous?
Free-ranging snakes representing dozens of species from around the world are discovered in the United States in any given year, usually as a result of escapees or releases from the pet trade, but most of these don't appear to have established a reproductive population. Any animal can be problematic when released in places where it is not native. For example, the Brown Treesnake was introduced to...
A Burmese python stretched out in the grass in the Everglades.
A Burmese python stretched out in the grass in the Everglades.
A Burmese python coiled in the grass in the Everglades.
A Burmese python coiled in the grass in the Everglades.
A Burmese python coiled in the grass in the Everglades.
Tracking Device in Burmese Python
Team of scientists working together to insert a tracking device in a 14 foot Burmese python.
Team of scientists working together to insert a tracking device in a 14 foot Burmese python.
Under Siege: Battling Flying Carp and Giant Pythons and How Science Can Help
Over the last several decades, non-native species have continued to invade sensitive ecosystems in the United States. Two high-profile species, Asian carp in the Midwest and Burmese pythons in the Everglades, are the focus of much attention by decision makers, the public and the media.
Over the last several decades, non-native species have continued to invade sensitive ecosystems in the United States. Two high-profile species, Asian carp in the Midwest and Burmese pythons in the Everglades, are the focus of much attention by decision makers, the public and the media.
Biologists Remove Python from Everglades
This 16 1/2-foot python, being removed from the wild by USGS and NPS personnel, was captured in a thicket in Everglades National Park in May 2012.
This 16 1/2-foot python, being removed from the wild by USGS and NPS personnel, was captured in a thicket in Everglades National Park in May 2012.
Record-Breaking Burmese Python (17 feet, 7 inches, 87 eggs) Captured by The USGS, B-roll
Big Ol‘ Gal
By
Implanting a Radio Transmitter in a Burmese Python
Researchers implant a radio transmitter in a 16-foot, 155-pound female Burmese python (Python molurus) at the South Florida Research Center, Everglades National Park. Radio-tracking builds understanding of where pythons spend their time and therefore where they can be controlled in practice. Photo courtesy of Lori Oberhofer, National Park Service.
Researchers implant a radio transmitter in a 16-foot, 155-pound female Burmese python (Python molurus) at the South Florida Research Center, Everglades National Park. Radio-tracking builds understanding of where pythons spend their time and therefore where they can be controlled in practice. Photo courtesy of Lori Oberhofer, National Park Service.
African Rock Python
African rock pythons are the largest snake in Africa, but now some have been found in Florida. They can eat goats, warthogs, and even crocodiles. In Florida, they are an invasive species.
African rock pythons are the largest snake in Africa, but now some have been found in Florida. They can eat goats, warthogs, and even crocodiles. In Florida, they are an invasive species.
Southern African Python
Southern African Python (Python natalensis). The snake pictured is a representative of a species discussed in the USGS snake risk assessment. This snake was photographed in its native range.
Southern African Python (Python natalensis). The snake pictured is a representative of a species discussed in the USGS snake risk assessment. This snake was photographed in its native range.
A Burmese Python and an Alligator Encounter in South Florida
A Burmese python (Python molurus) peeks over the head of an alligator that holds the python's body in its mouth in Everglades National Park. Photo courtesy of Lori Oberhofer, National Park Service.
A Burmese python (Python molurus) peeks over the head of an alligator that holds the python's body in its mouth in Everglades National Park. Photo courtesy of Lori Oberhofer, National Park Service.
Invasive Burmese Python on Her Nest in South Florida
A female Burmese python (Python molurus) on her nest with eggs. Photo by Jemeema Carrigan, University of Florida. Courtesy of Skip Snow, National Park Service. Used with permission.
A female Burmese python (Python molurus) on her nest with eggs. Photo by Jemeema Carrigan, University of Florida. Courtesy of Skip Snow, National Park Service. Used with permission.
Burmese python, a Giant Constrictor Snake
Burmese python (Python molurus). Photo courtesy of Roy Wood, National Park Service.
Burmese python (Python molurus). Photo courtesy of Roy Wood, National Park Service.
Reticulated python (Python reticulatus)
Reticulated python (Broghammerus/Python reticulatus) in Indonesia. Photo ©Bjorn Lardner, Colorado State University. Used with permission.
Reticulated python (Broghammerus/Python reticulatus) in Indonesia. Photo ©Bjorn Lardner, Colorado State University. Used with permission.
Related Content
- FAQ
Are large constrictor snakes such as Burmese pythons able to kill people? What is the risk? Would this be in the wild, or in backyards?
Human fatalities from non-venomous snakes are very rare, probably averaging one or two per year worldwide. All known constrictor-snake fatalities in the United States are from captive snakes; these are split between deaths of snake owners who were purposefully interacting with their pet and deaths of small children or infants in homes where a snake was kept captive as a pet. There have been no...
Are there invasive reptiles other than Burmese pythons in the United States that people should be concerned about?
Free-ranging, non-native reptiles representing dozens of species from around the world escape or are illegally released in the United States every year. Many of these species fail to establish reproductive populations, but some are successful. Florida is a major transportation hub and has a climate that is suitable for many invasive species across taxonomic groups. Due to the suitable climate, and...
Can Burmese Pythons swim from the Everglades to the Florida Keys?
A number of Burmese pythons have been found on Key Largo, and a few in the Lower Keys. Because pythons regularly escape or are released from captivity, it can be difficult to determine whether a snake encountered in the Keys arrived there by swimming from the mainland or was a former captive pet on the island. Given the python’s ability to disperse via salt water, expansion into neighboring...
Could invasive pythons move into cities?
In their native ranges, many python and boa species are often found living in suburban and urban areas. In Florida, Boa constrictors and Northern African pythons live in or adjacent to the Miami metropolitan area. As with alligators, the risk of attacks on humans in urban areas is very low.
How have invasive pythons impacted Florida ecosystems?
Non-native Burmese pythons have established a breeding population in South Florida and are one of the most concerning invasive species in the area. Pythons compete with native wildlife for food, which includes mammals, birds, and other reptiles. Severe declines in mammal populations throughout Everglades National Park have been linked to Burmese pythons, with the most severe declines in native...
How many Burmese pythons inhabit southern Florida?
It is incredibly difficult to estimate the true population numbers of Burmese pythons in South Florida. Burmese pythons can survive in and utilize a variety of habitats found in the region, and many of these areas are difficult to access and effectively survey. Conservatively, tens of thousands of invasive Burmese pythons are estimated to be present in the Greater Everglades region. Learn More...
What should I do if I see a python in the wild?
If you see a python in the wild – or suspect that a snake is a python or an invasive snake – you should take the same precautions for these constrictor snakes as one would take for any wildlife: avoid interacting with or getting close to them. If you are in Everglades National Park, you can report a python sighting to a park ranger. You can also report the animal via the “Ive Got 1” reporting...
Where are Burmese pythons or other large constrictors distributed in Florida?
The Burmese python is now distributed across more than a thousand square miles of southern Florida from coast to coast. This includes Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Park, Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area, Big Cypress National Preserve, Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, Picayune Strand...
Are invasive snakes dangerous?
Free-ranging snakes representing dozens of species from around the world are discovered in the United States in any given year, usually as a result of escapees or releases from the pet trade, but most of these don't appear to have established a reproductive population. Any animal can be problematic when released in places where it is not native. For example, the Brown Treesnake was introduced to...
- Multimedia
A Burmese python stretched out in the grass in the Everglades.
A Burmese python stretched out in the grass in the Everglades.
A Burmese python stretched out in the grass in the Everglades.
A Burmese python coiled in the grass in the Everglades.A Burmese python coiled in the grass in the Everglades.
A Burmese python coiled in the grass in the Everglades.
Tracking Device in Burmese PythonTeam of scientists working together to insert a tracking device in a 14 foot Burmese python.
Team of scientists working together to insert a tracking device in a 14 foot Burmese python.
Under Siege: Battling Flying Carp and Giant Pythons and How Science Can HelpOver the last several decades, non-native species have continued to invade sensitive ecosystems in the United States. Two high-profile species, Asian carp in the Midwest and Burmese pythons in the Everglades, are the focus of much attention by decision makers, the public and the media.
Over the last several decades, non-native species have continued to invade sensitive ecosystems in the United States. Two high-profile species, Asian carp in the Midwest and Burmese pythons in the Everglades, are the focus of much attention by decision makers, the public and the media.
Biologists Remove Python from EvergladesThis 16 1/2-foot python, being removed from the wild by USGS and NPS personnel, was captured in a thicket in Everglades National Park in May 2012.
This 16 1/2-foot python, being removed from the wild by USGS and NPS personnel, was captured in a thicket in Everglades National Park in May 2012.
Record-Breaking Burmese Python (17 feet, 7 inches, 87 eggs) Captured by The USGS, B-rollBig Ol‘ Gal
ByImplanting a Radio Transmitter in a Burmese PythonResearchers implant a radio transmitter in a 16-foot, 155-pound female Burmese python (Python molurus) at the South Florida Research Center, Everglades National Park. Radio-tracking builds understanding of where pythons spend their time and therefore where they can be controlled in practice. Photo courtesy of Lori Oberhofer, National Park Service.
Researchers implant a radio transmitter in a 16-foot, 155-pound female Burmese python (Python molurus) at the South Florida Research Center, Everglades National Park. Radio-tracking builds understanding of where pythons spend their time and therefore where they can be controlled in practice. Photo courtesy of Lori Oberhofer, National Park Service.
African Rock PythonAfrican rock pythons are the largest snake in Africa, but now some have been found in Florida. They can eat goats, warthogs, and even crocodiles. In Florida, they are an invasive species.
African rock pythons are the largest snake in Africa, but now some have been found in Florida. They can eat goats, warthogs, and even crocodiles. In Florida, they are an invasive species.
Southern African PythonSouthern African Python (Python natalensis). The snake pictured is a representative of a species discussed in the USGS snake risk assessment. This snake was photographed in its native range.
Southern African Python (Python natalensis). The snake pictured is a representative of a species discussed in the USGS snake risk assessment. This snake was photographed in its native range.
A Burmese Python and an Alligator Encounter in South FloridaA Burmese python (Python molurus) peeks over the head of an alligator that holds the python's body in its mouth in Everglades National Park. Photo courtesy of Lori Oberhofer, National Park Service.
A Burmese python (Python molurus) peeks over the head of an alligator that holds the python's body in its mouth in Everglades National Park. Photo courtesy of Lori Oberhofer, National Park Service.
Invasive Burmese Python on Her Nest in South FloridaA female Burmese python (Python molurus) on her nest with eggs. Photo by Jemeema Carrigan, University of Florida. Courtesy of Skip Snow, National Park Service. Used with permission.
A female Burmese python (Python molurus) on her nest with eggs. Photo by Jemeema Carrigan, University of Florida. Courtesy of Skip Snow, National Park Service. Used with permission.
Burmese python, a Giant Constrictor SnakeBurmese python (Python molurus). Photo courtesy of Roy Wood, National Park Service.
Burmese python (Python molurus). Photo courtesy of Roy Wood, National Park Service.
Reticulated python (Python reticulatus)Reticulated python (Broghammerus/Python reticulatus) in Indonesia. Photo ©Bjorn Lardner, Colorado State University. Used with permission.
Reticulated python (Broghammerus/Python reticulatus) in Indonesia. Photo ©Bjorn Lardner, Colorado State University. Used with permission.
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