There are a lot of Burmese pythons in Florida. Maybe 100,00. Maybe 300,0These giants are basically invisible. They blend into the swampy foliage so well that conservationists guess only 5% are ever seen by the casual tourist. That translates to roughly one catch for every twenty snakes roaming free during the summer cull season. It’s bad. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission released a new video to fix it, or at least make a dent.
The PSA isn’t just saying “go out there and kill snakes.” It’s specific. Hunting these things is dangerous if you aren’t ready for the reality of it. You’re looking for animals over six feet long. They might be stretched out across a bank. Or coiled tight in the weeds.
You need to know what you are seeing.
- Look for an arrow-shaped mark on the head.
- The body has giraffe-like spots.
- There are dark rings around their eyes.
Don’t just point and yell. Summer means they like sunning on levees or hanging near trees. That’s where you’ll spot them. If you see one swimming in the water, leave it. That is their element. You are not. Water is where they win fights with humans. Stay on land.
Dress for it. Florida is hot and humid enough to melt your face, but you still need long pants. Closed-toed shoes are mandatory. Gloves too. And you must carry a long handling tool. Do not use your hands.
When you do catch one, follow the rules. Kill it humanely per state law. Then document everything. Get the latitude. Get the longitude. Take photos. The scientists need proof you didn’t just imagine it.
Do you think you can handle it? The annual Python Challenge is coming up, pulling in hunters from across the US. If that sounds insane to you, just report it. Call 888-IveGot. Use the app. Or the website.
Just remember what the video said first. Picture that massive serpent. Then ask yourself if you actually want to fight it, or if you should step aside and let the pros work. The snakes aren’t going anywhere.
