Hunters Catch Invasive Pythons in Florida Everglades
- Hunters in Florida Everglades go deep into the night to catch invasive Burmese pythons.
- These pythons are preying on mice, rabbits, and other wildlife in the area.
- Efforts are being made to protect the ecosystem from the impact of these invasive species.
As the dew point drops in the quiet of night, it signals prime hunting conditions for Burmese pythons in Florida's Everglades. Aycock, a contractor with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, has dedicated 11 years to this cause, participating in the annual Florida Python Challenge. This initiative encourages hunters to capture these invasive snakes, which pose a significant threat to the local ecosystem, as each female can lay between 29 to 50 eggs. This year, over 600 hunters joined the challenge, aiming to surpass last year's record of 209 pythons killed. Since 2017, Florida has employed around 100 contractors to remove pythons year-round, a collaborative effort between the wildlife agency and the South Florida Water Management District. To date, more than 18,000 pythons have been removed, with contractors like Aycock responsible for approximately 11,000 of those captures. Hunting pythons in Florida is a hands-on endeavor, as firearms are prohibited and the snakes are non-venomous. Contractors rely on their instincts and experience, with some, like Rahill, able to detect a python's distinct musk. The techniques for capturing these snakes vary among hunters, emphasizing a careful approach rather than a forceful one. Aycock recounted a particularly challenging encounter with a 17-foot python, highlighting the dangers involved in the job. Despite the challenges, he expressed a deep reluctance to kill the snakes, reflecting the complex emotions tied to this invasive species management effort.