Burmese Pythons
Alligators may be the most well known fearsome creature in the Florida Everglades, but it’s the growing invasive population of non-native Burmese pythons that are a real threat to this precious ecosystem.
The snakes were likely introduced to the region by the intentional or accidental release of captive pets. Regardless of how they ended up in the wilds of South Florida, they’ve become a huge issue. Wherever these slithery serpents have become established in South Florida, the local population of animals they feed on has dwindled. Populations of raccoons, opossums, and bobcats have declined around 90% or more since 1997 in areas where the pythons have lived longest. Other animals like marsh rabbits, cottontail rabbits, and foxes have essentially vanished. Last year, the pythons were spotted in the Northern Everglades Wildlife Refuge for the first time, a worrying sign that their presence is only growing.
