\u201cOne of the most destructive and harmful species\u201d<\/p>\n
A 1.5 million-acre region of wetlands in southern Florida, the Everglades are home to a wide range of native wildlife – spanning birds, reptiles, fish, amphibians, invertebrates and mammals. However, since the Burmese python\u2019s presence was first recorded in the Everglades in the 1970s, it has thrived in the area, at the expense of numerous indigenous species.<\/p>\n
A snake that chiefly feeds on mammals, birds and other reptiles, the Burmese python represents \u201cone of the most destructive and harmful species in America\u2019s Everglades\u201d, warns<\/a> the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). <\/p>\n Of particular concern, the snake preys on endangered Florida Everglades species such as the wood stork and Key Largo woodrat, says<\/a> the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.<\/p>\n The Burmese python\u2019s voracious appetite is also depriving native predators of food sources. What\u2019s more, the snake carries parasites and pathogens that can prove harmful to indigenous species. <\/p>\n How did the Burmese python arrive in the U.S.?<\/p>\n Native to countries in southern and eastern Asia, the Burmese python is a non-venomous snake that kills its prey by constriction. Described<\/a> by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) as \u201cone of the largest snake species in the world\u201d, the python can grow to up to 20 feet in length and weigh over 250 pounds.<\/p>\n The Burmese python was brought to Florida by the pet trade. \u201cOnce sought-after commodities, pythons have been sold by breeders as pets or showpieces to exotic animal collectors for decades,\u201d says the SFWMD. <\/p>\n Having arrived in the Sunshine State, Burmese pythons then found their way into the Everglades ecosystem as a result of \u201caccidental or intentional releases by pet owners\u201d, the organization says.<\/p>\n In August 1992, Galante notes, Hurricane Andrew caused the destruction of a python breeding facility in Florida, leading \u201ca couple dozen\u201d of the snakes to be released into the wild. \u201cAnd from those few dozen, thousands have exploded\u201d, he says. <\/p>\n A conservative estimate of the Burmese python\u2019s current population in the greater Florida Everglades region would be \u201ctens of thousands\u201d, says<\/a> the USGS.<\/p>\n In response, the SFWMD has introduced<\/a> the Python Elimination Program, which pays \u2018removal agents\u2019 to help eradicate the Burmese python – and other similar species – from southern Florida. The scheme even offers bonuses for pythons measuring over four feet in length.<\/p>\n One such python hunter, Aaron Mann, had by August 2025 earned over $1,000 for capturing nearly 100 Burmese pythons, it was reported<\/a> in the U.S. media.<\/p>\n \u201cOut of control in Florida\u201d<\/p>\n However, Galante is highly pessimistic that Florida will ever rid itself of the invasive species. \u201cI would say that the Burmese python problem really is out of control in Florida,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n \u201cEven with all the efforts out there, I would give the likelihood of us ever being able to truly eradicate Burmese pythons [as] a very, very low one out of ten.\u201d<\/p>\n Related stories Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage<\/a>, right at your fingertips \u2013 anytime, anywhere.<\/p>\n And there\u2019s more: check out our TikTok<\/a> and Instagram reels<\/a> for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/MVTZQ7DYTVFI7D6RZ2EQFET74E.jpg\")
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