Everglades Snake Hunting - Page 2

shortwave · February 27, 2012, 05:13 AM

For those thinking there's a natural predator in the Fla. glades that's going to keep the python in check (including cats, coons, coyotes, turtles, opossum, birds etc.), I would suggest that you research the topic a bit and you'll find that since the introduction of the python to the glades, there been a drastic decline in those same animals you're suggesting. All the while a remarkable increase in the python numbers.

While you're researching, check out the estimated current numbers of the Burmese Python in the Fla. everglades versus what the estimated number of pythons were back in the late 90's.
Also, pay particular attention to the reproductive characteristics of the Burmese Python paying particular attention to the number of offspring a single female will throw.

Taking into consideration the incredible increase in the pythons numbers over a small number of years, coupled with the ongoing yearly number of python offspring and add on the decrease in numbers of the same animals some say will keep the python numbers down...well, it's just not hard to see who's winning this battle.

Hence the danger in the balance of an already fragile Fla. everglades ecosystem.

Hunting the python would help but, IMO, doubt that just plain hunting the python would rid them from the glades. Maybe hunting them plus a sterilization program done by FWC ???

Just hope the FWC hurries and makes better progress with something, rather then doing what it seems as they've been doing. Very little(and doing that slowly).

BigMikey76 · February 29, 2012, 03:25 PM

They should import tigers to eat the snakes...

Mainah · February 29, 2012, 07:10 PM

Thanks for a great topic Art. It seems to me that someone in Florida could make some good money with guided Python hunts with dogs. Keep the season open year-round, let locals provide the dogs and outfitting, then you might put a dent in this problem. And it would be a lot more fun than a trip to Disney, or golf.

This is an opportunity for hunters to score some points with the green crowd.

Art Eatman · February 29, 2012, 07:31 PM

As said before, no limits on private land. I guess that maybe the wildlife agency folks have something on their website about whatever regulations they've dreamed up.

February 29, 2012, 03:25 PM	#27
BigMikey76 Senior Member Join Date: December 3, 2011 Location: Bellevue, NE Posts: 981	They should import tigers to eat the snakes... __________________ Some people are like Slinkies - not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

February 27, 2012, 05:13 AM	#26
shortwave Senior Member Join Date: December 17, 2007 Location: SOUTHEAST, OHIO Posts: 5,970	For those thinking there's a natural predator in the Fla. glades that's going to keep the python in check (including cats, coons, coyotes, turtles, opossum, birds etc.), I would suggest that you research the topic a bit and you'll find that since the introduction of the python to the glades, there been a drastic decline in those same animals you're suggesting. All the while a remarkable increase in the python numbers. While you're researching, check out the estimated current numbers of the Burmese Python in the Fla. everglades versus what the estimated number of pythons were back in the late 90's. Also, pay particular attention to the reproductive characteristics of the Burmese Python paying particular attention to the number of offspring a single female will throw. Taking into consideration the incredible increase in the pythons numbers over a small number of years, coupled with the ongoing yearly number of python offspring and add on the decrease in numbers of the same animals some say will keep the python numbers down...well, it's just not hard to see who's winning this battle. Hence the danger in the balance of an already fragile Fla. everglades ecosystem. Hunting the python would help but, IMO, doubt that just plain hunting the python would rid them from the glades. Maybe hunting them plus a sterilization program done by FWC ??? Just hope the FWC hurries and makes better progress with something, rather then doing what it seems as they've been doing. Very little(and doing that slowly).

February 29, 2012, 07:10 PM	#28
Mainah Senior Member Join Date: July 9, 2007 Posts: 1,119	Thanks for a great topic Art. It seems to me that someone in Florida could make some good money with guided Python hunts with dogs. Keep the season open year-round, let locals provide the dogs and outfitting, then you might put a dent in this problem. And it would be a lot more fun than a trip to Disney, or golf. This is an opportunity for hunters to score some points with the green crowd.

February 29, 2012, 07:31 PM	#29
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	As said before, no limits on private land. I guess that maybe the wildlife agency folks have something on their website about whatever regulations they've dreamed up.