Invasive Snake Species Aren't Just Florida's Problem
Ranked #225 in Pets & Animals, #6,173 overall
Invasive Snake Species are a Growing Problem.
Burmese pythons are the species most often reported, but several other species of snakes are also becoming a problem.
When you hear of a large snake being captured in the wild, the story will most often originate from the state of Florida. What many people don't realize, is that much of the southern United States, has climate suitable for Burmese Python survival.
Intro Photo: U.S. Geological Survey
Department of the Interior/USGS
U.S. Geological Survey/photo by Lori Oberhofer, National Park Service
Species of Concern
There are 9 invasive species of snakes that officials are currently concerned about.They are: Burmese Python, Python Molurus
Northern Rock Python, Python seba
Southern Rock Python, Python natalensi
Reticulated Python, Python reticulatus
Boa Constrictor, Boa constrictor
Green Anaconda, Eunectes murinu
Yellow Anaconda, Eunectes notaeu
Bolivian Anaconda, Eunectes beniensis
De Schauensee's Anaconda, Eunectes deschauenseei
Two of these species are known to have breeding populations in Florida. They are Burmese Pythons, and Boa Constrictors. The species with the largest wild population, is of course, the Burmese Python. It is estimated that there are tens of thousands of Burmese Pythons in the wild, in Florida.
A female Burmese Python, can lay over 60 eggs at one time. With clutch sizes like that, you can see that the problem will continue to grow.
Photo: Yellow Anaconda, taken by me
Alligator and Burmese Python, in a life and death struggle.
In this case, judging by the size difference between the alligator, and the python, the winner will almost certainly be the alligator. When the size difference is reversed, the outcome is also reversed. Large Burmese Pythons can, and do eat smaller alligators.
Unfortunately, invasive snake species share their range with several endangered species, and when it is meal time, a python does not care if a potential meal is endangered or not.
Photo: U.S. Geological Survey
Department of the Interior/USGS
U.S. Geological Survey/photo by Lori Oberhofer, National Park Service
Yellow Anaconda Captured in Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida
Photo: U.S. Geological Survey
Department of the Interior/USGS
U.S. Geological Survey/photo by Skip Snow, National Park Service
Map of Current Range for Potential Burmese Python Survival
This map shows the current range in the United States, where Burmese Pythons could potentially survive, according to the USGS.
I was very surprised that the "maybe" range, in yellow, comes very close to where I live.
This map may come as a shock to many people who live in the southern 1/3 of the U.S.
Map: U.S. Geological Survey
Department of the Interior/USGS
U.S. Geological Survey
Where are you on the map?
Python 15 Feet Long, and 162 Pounds
At the time of it's capture, this Burmese Python, weighted 162 pounds, and was 15 feet long. It was captured alive, in 2009, in the Everglades. It had just eaten an Alligator that was about 6 feet long. Holding the snake, are University of Florida researchers.
Female Burmese Python Full of Eggs
This photos shows graphically how many eggs a female python can produce.
Photo: Lori Oberhofer, National Park Service
Python Eats Deer in the Everglades
- On the python patrol
- Biologist Michael Dorcas of Davidson College, North Carolina, recently published a survey of mammal populations in the Everglades before and after the explosion of Burmese pythons. His team found that raccoons, opossums, deer, rabbits and bobcats ...
- Scientists keeping track of big snakes in Fla. Keys
- The snake was not a Burmese python, the non-native big snake species that is wreaking havoc in Everglades National Park just north of the Upper Keys, Reed said. Pythons have been reported in the Upper Keys, but don't appear to have made it much farther ...
Map of Potential Python Range Based on Climate Model for Year 2100
On this map, you can see that the range has expanded northward. This map is based on climate models that show future warming.
Map: U.S. Geological Survey
Department of the Interior/USGS
U.S. Geological Survey
How the Burmese Python Invasion Has Progressed From Year to Year
Year
2000....2
2001....3
2002....14
2003....23
2004....70
2005....94
2006....170
2007....248
2008....343
2009....367
2010....322
2011....169
2012.... 50 (Jan.---April)
Source National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
For more information on these numbers, see the NPS Website, Burmese Pythons: Removals.
Invasive Pythons in the United States: Ecology of an Introduced Predator (Wormsloe Foundation Nature Book)
One of the few books out there on the subject.
Invasive Pythons in the United States: Ecology of an Introduced Predator (Wormsloe Foundation Nature Book)
Amazon Price: $15.64 (as of 06/01/2012)
Educational Aid for Teachers
The guide is called Don't Let it Loose. The complete 81 page activity guide can be downloaded at their website. The guide was made for middle school students.
Python Eats Alligator, then Splits Open
Photo: Michael Barron, National Park Service
Everglades National Park Service Video
This National Park Service Video covers Invasive Snakes, African jewelfish, Old World Climbing Fern, and walking catfish. I watched the entire video, and found it to be very interesting.
Photo in the News: Python Bursts After Eating Gator, and other News Stories
- Python Eats Gator, Then Bursts.
- Unfortunately for a 13-foot (4-meter) Burmese python in Florida's Everglades National Park, eating the enemy seems to have caused the voracious reptile to bust a gut-literally.
- Huge, Freed Pet Pythons Invade Florida Everglades
- In February, a group of tourists at the Pa-hay-okee Overlook in Florida's Everglades National Park stumbled upon a battle between an alligator and a python.
- GRAPHIC PHOTOS!! of 16ft-long snake found with adult deer in its stomach
- Several graphic photos of the deer that was found with an adult deer in it's stomach, in the Everglades.
Who will win this battle?
Photo: National Park Service, National Park Service
In this photo, the alligator is attempting to make a meal out of a fairly large Python.
Map of Potential Range of Northern African Rock Pythons
Only the areas of the extreme southern U.S. have climate that would allow Northern African Rock Pythons to survive. Those areas are shown in green.
Map: U.S. Geological Survey
Department of the Interior/USGS
U.S. Geological Survey
Python Hunters DVD
National Geographic (135 minutes)
Python Hunters
Amazon Price: $19.93 (as of 06/01/2012)
Do You Think The USGS Data is Accurate?
Do you think the USGS Data is accurate, or just a bunch of baloney?
I think it is accurate.
joannalynn says:
I don't have enough data to come to any conclusions. The range expansion projection for 2100 does not indicate the types of data used in the model. If it is just climate modelling, that is not enough. There are too many other variables/factors that will affect python migration/dispersal, viability, etc. I can't say accurate or baloney. Can't you have a "not enough data" option? I am going to check accurate, because USGS is a very respectable organisation, with the caveat of there is not enough information to make an accurate assessment :).
Cari_Kay says:
Part of my graduate studies were on invasive species and spent a bit of time studying the snakes in the Everglades. Scary stuff. We're in Florida now. Just this week, we've had two different snakes in our yard. Fortunately they were only a black racer and a brown snake. Still, I'm thinking Alaska might be nice :)
jc91583 says:
I live in Florida and hear about this kind of stuff on the news.
veryirie says:
The only pythons we are supposed to have in Hawaii would be at the zoo. Actually there are technically no snakes in the Hawaiian islands. Occasionally people will attempt to bring one in, but that is usually discovered pretty quickly.
julian says:
i think this is cool and a little creepy knowing there are invasive spiecies like those pythons and aligators
Gabriel360 says:
Accurate.
Steve_Kaye says:
Certainly!
servantoftheLord says:
I think it's terrifying. The population is exploding, and it has to be stopped somehow. They have to find a way to eliminate these things.
artbymichelle says:
I am not sure but it's pretty scary. I live in Florida. I have always been afraid of the gators but seeing this now I am even more afraid!
Blkeeslar says:
I live in MS, and we found a copperhead last week.
I think it is baloney.
Concerned Citizen says:
Where is the data for 2011 and 2012? How do you explain no tags being filled in 2011 if they are everywhere? They can't even survive in south Florida during a cold spell. Why don't people worry about the thousands of dogs that maime or kill children every year? Or all of the feral cats that are destroying native wildlife?
Eddy Figueroa (Owner of Discovery Reptiles) says:
No, USGS has fabricated a large amount of their information. Recently, they came out with a statement saying there might be more Burmese Pythons in Florida then in their native land. This is a completely false and ridiculous statement. I work in the wildlife field and completely support people having to get permits and licenses in order to house and keep exotic animals but that fact is there aren't 100,000 Burms in the Everglades like the USGS would want us to believe. Its utterly pathetic how much false information they are continually coming out with. Should people have to get permits in all 50 states in order to house exotic animals? Absolutely! Are Burmese Pythons taking over the Everglades? No, they're not. Print real information backed up by scientific proof not someones personal feelings or personal opinion.
justgoing says:
Maybe the data is correct - but is this really an excuse for slaughtering snakes? I don't think so.
302 Page Risk Assessment for Nine Large Species of Pythons, Anacondas, and the Boa Constrictor
Just click on the photo to download the Free 302 page USGS report, PDF.
Rock Python Video
One of the 9 species of concern, is the African Rock Python. This video shows why they are a threat to many animals, as well as humans.
What to See More Invasive Species in Florida
Snake aren't the only species of concern in Florida, there are plants, fish, mussels, birds, and more.
- Invasive Species of Florida
- Photos and information on many different invasive species in Florida.
More Snakes
Feedback is welcome.
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joannalynn
May 21, 2012 @ 11:14 pm | delete
- Very interesting. Have biologists reported affects on any specific species by pythons e.g. has the species had an impact on any one species more than another? As python frequency increases, it has to be at the cost to other species. As you mentioned, clutch size is huge. What other species habitat/niche are they exploiting? I'm up here in North Idaho...I'm in a vacuum to all this nasty snake business!
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Cari_Kay
May 10, 2012 @ 8:07 pm | delete
- Excellent page! Blessed!
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ajgodinho May 4, 2012 @ 9:52 am | delete
- Yikes, they can get huge, eh? Wow, I didn't know they could take on a big alligator. I haven't seen a snake in a long time and I like it that way. I'm not a fan of snakes, but I think they don't harm us if we leave them alone. However, I guess it's a different story when there is over population of both, snakes and people :)
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jc91583
Apr 29, 2012 @ 9:28 pm | delete
- Thanks for the lens. The power of these snakes is as unbelievable as their size. Thanks again for the lens.
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karmicchristian
Apr 29, 2012 @ 10:50 am | delete
- This is an amazing body of work! Looks like a nice do or die battle between the Alligators and the Pythons!
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kacey jones
Apr 25, 2012 @ 2:44 pm | delete
- just because people are afraid of animals and other things doesn't mean that we have to kill them like we do with almost everything else, instead of living in fear of these creatures people should learn about them instead so that there are not so many killings. i know my comment isn't really going to do much goo, but just think about it, would we really be so afraid if we just knew a little more about them? this is going for all species when i say this too, not just snakes. just take some time to learn about them and realize that they are just trying to survive like any other species . us humans are trying to survive on this planet, but you don't see any one huge threat to us except our selves. we are the biggest threat to all species that live together on this earth. we need to learn to be responsible for one and to understand for another. besides, if it wasn't for humans there wouldn't be an invasive species any ways because we are the ones who did this. there is no on to blame except ourselves. so next time you see something that you're afraid of, don't automatically try to kill it, instead observe it from a distance and try to understand it and look for the beauty in it.
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sherioz
Apr 21, 2012 @ 2:28 am | delete
- When I say I like snakes, I mean little garter snakes that I used to find in my backyard. I wouldn't want to come across one of these. That's scary!
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Mujjen
Apr 9, 2012 @ 3:53 pm | delete
- I had no idea what a problem these invasive snakes are. And they are wide-spread.
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veryirie
Apr 4, 2012 @ 8:23 pm | delete
- Snakes are so creepy to me. yikes!
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jercow75
Mar 29, 2012 @ 12:38 am | delete
- Living in New York finally has an advantage. Even our snakes head down south, though in this case, they can have them. I had no idea how truly dangerous these snakes are.
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CNelson01
Mar 28, 2012 @ 11:53 am | delete
- Interesting and a matter for concern...perhaps someone should come up with some good snake recipes to encourage hunting. (I say that as a joke but it couldn't hurt)
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JaguarJulie Mar 27, 2012 @ 6:52 pm | delete
- OMG, have I told you lately that I don' like snakes? It was yesterday afternoon and I was walking out in my front yard to fill up a watering can to water my marigolds. Something caught my eye ... it was a snake resting on my front window ledge. Probably waiting for the lizards. Not sure what type the snake is, but thankfully it is not an invasive python or you would have probably heard me scream.
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ferginarg
Mar 19, 2012 @ 9:06 am | delete
- I love snakes, but don't like it when they're an introduced species that can have a bad affect on native animals, another unfortunate aspect of people I suppose
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GOT
Mar 18, 2012 @ 10:22 am | delete
- Nice info on snakes!
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Gabriel360
Mar 10, 2012 @ 7:08 pm | delete
- Great lens!
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mjtaylor
Mar 10, 2012 @ 5:05 pm | delete
- Thank you for writing this; I've written a few concerned blog posts here and there, and I will make sure I have this as a reference next time.
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servantoftheLord
Mar 9, 2012 @ 3:17 pm | delete
- Very informative lens. I have been aware of this problem, but appreciate you raising awareness. They have to find a way to completely eliminate these invasive species from Florida. If they don't, they will be moving north, just like the armadilloes have.
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kendrafowler
Mar 9, 2012 @ 1:59 am | delete
- Really splendid lens!! I did not know that the problem was this big. Thanks for highlighting it. And all the photos were so good! My love for these creatures has gone a step high after looking at these pictures :)
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AaronSquid
Mar 8, 2012 @ 10:03 pm | delete
- Great lens, I had no idea the problem was this bad.
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puppyprints
Mar 8, 2012 @ 5:37 pm | delete
- I will FREAK OUT if I ever see one of these things outside.
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Invasive Pythons in the United States: Ecology of an Introduced Predator (Wormsloe Foundation Nature Book)
Amazon Price: $15.64 (as of 06/01/2012)
Everglades an Ecosystem Facing Choices and Challenges
Amazon Price: $10.25 (as of 06/01/2012)
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Encyclopedia of Invasive Species [2 volumes]: From Africanized Honey Bees to Zebra Mussels
Amazon Price: $179.37 (as of 06/01/2012)
