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 State Forest, Collier-Seminole State Park, and Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. A population of Boa constrictors has been established for many years in southern Miami, centered on a county park.
Researchers have recently confirmed the presence of a reproducing population of northern African pythons on the western boundary of Miami; this species is both visually and ecologically very similar to the Burmese python. There is currently no evidence for wild and reproducing populations of the various anaconda species or the reticulated python (the longest snake in the world), although representatives of both groups have been captured or sighted in the wild in Florida and elsewhere.
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How have invasive pythons impacted Florida ecosystems? 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? 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? 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...
Related
How have invasive pythons impacted Florida ecosystems? 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? 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? 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...