Burmese Pythons In Florida: Are They Still A Problem?

Is the Burmese python issue still a concern in Florida? Indeed, non-native Burmese pythons have successfully formed a breeding population in the southern regions of Florida, particularly within the confines of Everglades National Park. This presence has raised significant concerns as Burmese pythons are now considered one of the most problematic invasive species in this iconic national park. These pythons pose a substantial threat to the native ecosystem, as they engage in competition with indigenous wildlife for sustenance, such as mammals, birds, and other reptiles. This ongoing situation continues to warrant attention and management efforts to mitigate the adverse impacts on the region’s biodiversity.

Is Florida making efforts to control the population of invasive Burmese pythons in the Everglades? In the 2022 Florida Python Challenge®, a total of 231 of these invasive snakes were successfully removed, marking a significant increase compared to the previous year and more than double the number removed in 2020. This conservation initiative attracted widespread participation, with nearly 1,000 individuals from 32 states, Canada, and Latvia registering to take part in the 10-day competition in 2022. As of May 24, 2023, this ongoing effort continues to address the Burmese python issue in Florida’s Everglades.