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4 Reasons Why Burmese Pythons Are Overrunning The Everglades

Where does the third largest living snake in the world sit? If it is in Florida, wherever it wants to.

Burmese pythons have earned a reputation for slithering their way to the top of the Everglades food web since their first sightings in the 1980’s. These massive constrictors have become the most notorious invasive species in South Florida, but why? They likely arrived the way most Everglades invasive species do, being released by pet owners or the exotic animal trade.

So, how is this particular invasive seemingly taking over the Everglades ecosystem?

They Reproduce Quickly

Burmese pythons reach maturity between 18 months and 4 years of age, and females can produce a clutch of 35 to 50 eggs or more. They also have a lifespan that can last up to 25 years. With impressive stats like these, it makes their numbers difficult to track.

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The Everglades Climate is Very Hospitable

There are many invasive species that have adopted the Everglades as their home. Burmese pythons are not only suited for the South Florida climate, but the Everglades ecosystem is like home to them. Originating from the rainy jungles and swamps of southeast Asia, these semi-aquatic creatures are right at home on the River of Grass.

They Are Great At Hiding

By preying on the American alligator, Burmese pythons are now the apex predator of the Everglades. But they have another title that’s helped them thrive as they have: Hide And Seek Champion.

They prefer hiding in underbrush or in holes near rivers, and are also great swimmers. In addition to being able to camouflage themselves, they’re nocturnal. So, their numbers are harder to accurately track, because most recorded sightings are made during the day.

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Captured Burmese python

They Are Opportunistic Eaters

You would consider a guest that can eat anything as not being a picky eater. But, if that guest starts eating everything they can, you’d have only your own words to eat. Burmese Pythons have been found to eat a wide variety of Everglades wildlife, including rodents, bobcats, deer, and even alligators!

Their big appetites have like to a steep decline in sightings of rabbits, raccoons, and possums. Because of this, it’s earned the nickname “The snake that’s eating the Everglades”.

South Florida may never be fully rid of these pythons. But, it’s possible that through implementing practical and effective control methods that their population could be managed someday.

When you go for an airboat ride at Mack’s Fish Camp, hopefully you don’t see this Everglades invasive species. While they are shy as most snakes, it could mean trouble for other Everglades wildlife.


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Invasive Species in The Everglades

Thousands of native plants and animals reside in The Florida Everglades and help its habitats to thrive. But as massive as the Everglades is, all 1.5 million acres, it is vulnerable to invasive species that can harm the ecosystem here. Here is some information on some of this non-native Everglades wildlife, but you’re probably wondering…

What is an Invasive Species?

An invasive species is a plant, animal, bacteria, or other living thing that is non-native to the place it inhabits. They can grow and multiply quickly, and are harmful to their non-native habitat, the health of humans, even the economy of the places they invade. Invasive species can interrupt their adopted environments severely, and can even cause Everglades plants and wildlife to go extinct.

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Invasive species have entered the Everglades by:

  • Being released by local pet owners that don’t want to care for the anymore
  • Being brought to Florida by or to sell on black markets
  • Hitching a ride with travelers or foreign ships arriving in our ports
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How Invasive Species Enter the Everglades

Invasive species can and have impacted the Everglades in several ways. The Burmese python has become well-known throughout America for feeding on native animals, including the American alligator, making them the dominant, or apex predator of the Everglades. Burmese pythons also pose a threat to people living near the Everglades, along with their pet dogs and cats. They often eat the young of native species, which shrinks the populations of their prey over time.

Invasive Everglades Plants

There are also invasive plant species impacting the Everglades as well. The Old world climbing fern affects several Everglades habitats from cypress swamps to pineland forests. Climbing ferns grow in dense concentrations which can smother native plants and rob them of sunlight. They can also act as a ladder to fires and draw them up to the canopy of the forest, burning areas that would normally be spared. This invasive plant can even change the water flow of streams with its dense roots, which can significantly affect Everglades ecology.

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How you can help

  • DO research before buying an exotic pet. Understand its needs, lifespan, how big it can grow, and if it is safe to own.
  • DON’T release your pet into the wild if you no longer want it. This applies to fish and aquatic plants, too.
  • REPORT invasive species sightings by calling 1-888-IVE-GOT-1 or online at www.IveGot1.org

At Mack’s Fish Camp we enjoy having the privilege to share the beauty of the Everglades ecosystem with the world. We see the preservation of this environment and the Gladesmen Culture as one in the same. We also educate our visitors about Everglades ecology, including invasive species on our Everglades airboat tours.