Snakes in the Grass

Hunting season is usually evocative of fur or feathers, but what happens in Florida is seldom normal. Over the weekend the Sunshine State declared open season on Burmese pythons (again).

The name might have already tipped you off: Burmese pythons are not native to the Everglades. But escapees (and intentionally released snakes) from exotic pet owners have established a population there that’s been wreaking havoc on the ecosystem since at least 2000. There’s not much that the up-to-20-foot-long slitherers can’t take on: birds, deer, even some unlucky bobcats and alligators (!) don’t stand a chance. More than 2,000 of the snakes have been removed from the park since 2002, but officials think that’s just a small fraction of the total population—despite their massive proportions, pythons are surprisingly adept at hiding. (Check out the map below to see the locations of the latest sightings).

In 2013, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission enlisted the help of nearly 1,600 brave sportsmen and women to hunt the invaders. And this year, the month-long Python Challenge is back. As of today, 17 animals have already been caught. Sssssstay safe out there!

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