The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission partnered with INVERSA to increase python removals in Florida and provide a financial boost through private enterprise.

INVERSA says it “helps ensure biodiversity preservation through the ethical removal of invasive species.” The company makes products from pythons that can be sold, including wallets, boots, belts and high heels.

The partnership took place in 2024, Gov. Ron DeSantis said during an Oct. 21 news conference at John C. and Mariana Jones/Hungryland Wildlife and Environmental Area in western Martin County. The idea was first presented by FWC Commissioner Rodney Barreto, DeSantis said.

What is INVERSA?

INVERSA is a company founded in 2020 with the mission of managing harmful nonnative species to revive ecosystems by ethically sourcing nonnative species designated for removal by local, state and national governments, according to its website.

INVERSA works with these invasive species: pythons, lionfish and silverfin, a nonnative carp in the Mississippi River Basin.

The python skin that INVERSA processes is available in a matte or glossy finish and in colors that include pink, yellow, green and white.

Some products promoted on INVERSA’s website as being made with the company’s python leather include $2,090 Gabriela Hearst high-heel stilettos, a $290 W. Kleinberg belt and $414 Rex Shoes loafers.

Can you kill a Burmese python in Florida?

Burmese pythons are not protected in Florida except by anti-cruelty laws. Burmese pythons must be humanely euthanized, according to the FWC. These are the steps one should take:

Use deliberate, multi-directional movement, move the rod forward along the left and right sides of the brain and then toward the brainstem, ensuring substantial destruction of the brain.

Target the brain: The application of the tool should result in the python immediately losing consciousness.

Draw an imaginary line between each eye and the opposite jawbone.

The brain is located where the two lines intersect.

Apply the tool to the target area (brain) to achieve an immediate loss of consciousness.

Destroy the brain: Immediately and substantially destroy the python’s brain by manually “pithing,” which prevents the python from regaining consciousness.

Insert a small rod (a rigid, metal tool like a screwdriver, spike or pick of sufficient length) into the cranial cavity.

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How did Burmese pythons get to Florida?

Native to Southeast Asia, many of the snakes came to the U.S. due to their popularity in the pet trade, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History. The snakes were then intentionally or accidentally released in South Florida and quickly spread out.

What to do if you see a Burmese python in Florida?

If you come across a Burmese python, avoid it and report the sighting to the Federal Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Take a photo and note your location before reporting one of three ways:

Call the exotic Species Hotline at 888-Ive-Got1 (888-483-4681)

Use the free IveGot1 mobile app

Gianna Montesano is TCPalm’s trending reporter. You can contact her at gianna.montesano@tcpalm.com, 772-409-1429, or follow her on X @gonthescene.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: DeSantis announces python leather goods partnership INVERSA