While the python trapper certainly went about it the wrong way, his message of pythons and other dangerous animals being released into the Florida wild is very valid. Every year, people in Florida and other parts of the United States release these animals as they become too difficult to keep as pets. The truth is, they should never have been pets in the first place.

Pythons, for example have been released in the Everglades. These pythons have already reproduced and now number in the estimated tens of thousands. When you consider that larger pythons such as the rock python and reticulated python are capable of killing a full grown man, the danger becomes apparent. That is not the only danger, however. They also eat all of the food in the area and cause the local wildlife to suffer. In extreme cases, they can be wiped out all together.

While his methods were certainly messed up, he certainly had the right message. Do not release these animals into our wild, or else we will have major problems down the road.

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The Problem

In a recent report from the USGS, findings show that several species of boa, anaconda, and python currently are, or have the potential to be invasive in the United States.  The high-risk species list includes the following:

• yellow anacondas
• northern African pythons
• southern African pythons
• boa constrictors
• Burmese pythons

Currently, the Burmese python poses the greatest risk, in that this species has already reproduced in the tens of thousands.

The Potential Damage

While the thought of “giant” snakes slithering near your neighborhood is not pleasant for some, high-risk snakes like the Burmese python do not pose an immediate threat to humans.  There have been reports of reticulated pythons attacking humans in their native countries, however any real danger of unprovoked human attack from these non-native snakes is very unlikely.

However, scientists are very concerned about the risk that these snakes pose to ecosystems as a whole, and to endangered species specifically.  In Florida, the endangered Key Largo woodrats have already been found to have been eaten by Burmese pythons.

In climate areas where these invasive snakes are likely to appear, native wildlife is in great danger, in that they have never had to contend with such large predators.  The USGS was clear to point out that birds, reptiles, and mammals are particularly vulnerable.

Geographical Snake Forecast

In an effort to predict where these non-native snakes can potentially dwell, the USGS created forecasts, including maps, to illustrate likely habitats.  Currently, northern African pythons and boa constrictors can be found in Miami, Florida, but for one non-native species – the Burmese python –   climates in multiple states can provide favorable living conditions.

According to one forecast map, the Burmese python could inhabit areas in most of the southern continental United States.  Parts of central California, Virgina, and even northern Oklahoma have favorable climates conducive to the survival of Burmese pythons.  By 2100, the favorable climate zones are expected to extend even further north due to the effects of global warming.

The Solution

National wildlife and park agencies are doing all they can to assess the potential danger to the ecosystem that these non-native snakes may cause.  The USGS states that they are working together with The Fish and Wildlife Service and The National Park Service to conduct risk-assessment, and to use scientific evidence to examine the threat of snake colonies.  Agencies will use the 300-page USGS report as a guide for any future regulations.

If you have a non-native snake as a pet, and can no longer care for it, please contact your local wildlife animal or reptile rescue, or try and find your slithery friend another good home.  Releasing a non-native snake into the wild is not only illegal, but also dangerous to your pet, your neighborhood, and to other wildlife.

For more information about the United States Geological Survey report on giant invasive snakes in the United States, please visit the USGS website.

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The burmese python is one of the most legendary snakes in the world.  In past generations, parts of the world have even worshipped this huge constrictor.  The burmese python is a serious contender for any size competition, and it is famous for being one of the most popular large snake pets in the world.  The burmese python is a beautiful example of natural beauty, and are breathtaking to see in real life.  Here is all you would want to know about the incredible burmese python:

Are Burmese Pythons Dangerous?

Burmese pythons are one of the most widely kept large snakes in the world, and this is partly due to their docile nature.  They are not nearly as aggressive as some of the other large snakes such as anacondas, and reticultated pythons.  Still, when you are dealing with a burmese python, you are dealing with a huge snake.  Burmese pythons are constrictors, and they have been known to kill people.

The burmese python is not a venomous snake.  They instead rely on their massive size, and the ability to squeeze the life out of their prey.  They latch on with rows of backwards teeth, and wrap up.  They then squeeze gradually harder until the prey is suffocated.  This danger is real in particular for kids, elderly, and smaller humans.  Even large humans have fallen prey to the burmese python.

Where Do You Find The Burmese Python?

The burmese python is found naturally in the grasslands and jungles of  Asia.  They prefer to stay in the trees as youngsters, but as they age and grow larger, tree climbing becomes more difficult.  The Burmese python will also take to the water and swim despite their massive size.

How Big Do Burmese Pythons Get?

Legend says that burmese pythons can grow to up to 50 feet.  The truth is that burmese pythons are more likely to be between 16 and 25 feet.  The thing about the burmese python is that they get extremely fat.  The heaviest known snake in the world is a burmese, and she is over 400 pounds.  Most are only about 200 pounds.

How Do You Identify A Burmese Python?

The burmese python is not often confused with many other species because of size.  They are generally a brownish color with a beautiful pattern of yellow in between the plates.  The burmese python also has a very large head that is quite powerful as well.

What Does The Burmese Python Eat?

Burmese pythons are carnivores, and eat most anything that is warm blooded.  They eat small mammals, and sometimes will even bring down larger prey as well.  They have stretching ligaments in their jaws that allow them to swallow huge prey whole….headfirst.

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