Local group tackles Everglades python problem

[William769]

EVERGLADES, FL -
Scientists say pythons are multiplying at an alarming rate. Now, a local organization is trying to tackle the problem before it gets out of hand.

Burmese pythons are multiplying in the Everglades.

Now wildlife experts like Lily Mlezko are being trained to catch them when spotted.

"They're moving more and more to the west coast and it's going to be a real issue that we're dealing with. I think it's all hands on deck," Mlezko said.

She is one of 12 being trained to catch the powerful predators. She and 175 people all over the southern half of the state are part of the ‘Python Patrol.' It's part of a multi-agency effort among wildlife experts to be ready when more python sightings sneak up.

http://www.nbc-2.com/story/16676116/2012/02/04/local-group-tackles-everglades-python-problem

[LiberalFighter]

1. I hope they do more than just catch them.

Preferably kill them all. And there should be major fines for anyone that imports or have them as pets.

[William769]

2. I agree.

People get them as pets here in Florida then they decide they don't want them & release them.

We have had several incidents in recent years with pythons & pets.

[ellenfl]

12. unfortunately, new law does not cover ALL big snakes. it's a start, i guess. eom

[libodem]

3. Wonder what they do with them

After they catch 'em?

On second thought I don't want to know.

Snakes. Ewwwww.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

4. That is excellent news!

The sooner this gets dealt with, the sooner it gets solved.

I hope they're not too late...

[William769]

5. My understanding is that the population of the python

In the Everglades has gotten out of hand and are reproducing at a high rate.

[downwardly_mobile]

6. Florida: America's Basement.

[xxqqqzme]

7. Either Maddow

or Countdown last week put up the statistic of declining populations of raccoons and opossums and both were over 92% in the last few years.

[dembotoz]

8. there have been some shows on this subject on cable--nat geo I think

yes i watch too much tv

but the problem is not brandy new
hope it finally gets the attention it deserves

i have done some work fighting invasive species in wisconsin
stuff like garlic mustard and buchthorn
stuff that don't bite back

i wish them luck
think it will take lots more than 175 of em

[pinto]

9. Good piece from the CS Monitor, "Snakes in the Grass" ->

Snakes in the grass: Is the Burmese Python wiping out Everglades mammals?

Burmese Python pets that escaped or were released have proliferated in the Everglades. A recent study suggests they are behind the sharp drop in the population of raccoons and other mammals.

By Warren Richey, Staff writer / January 31, 2012

Scientists believe they may be recording the first significant impact of the explosive spread of Burmese Pythons in South Florida’s Everglades National Park.



A recent study suggests that the proliferation of the non-native pythons is causing severe declines in the populations of raccoons, opossums and other common mammals in the park. It may also eventually decimate endangered species of both mammals and birds.

“Before 2000, mammals were encountered frequently during nocturnal road surveys,” says the report, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. “In contrast, road surveys … from 2003-2011 documented a 99.3 percent decrease in the frequency of raccoon observations, decreases of 98.9 percent and 87.5 percent for opossum and bobcat observations.”

Rabbits and raccoons were once described as the most common mammals in the Everglades. The researches failed to detect a single rabbit. White-tailed deer sightings are down 94.1 percent.

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2012/0131/Snakes-in-the-grass-Is-the-Burmese-Python-wiping-out-Everglades-mammals

[ladjf]

10. Hunt them with trained dogs. Get the meat approved by FDA. Sell the skin for leather.

State provides a bounty for each snake.

[dembotoz]

11. lets tell fox news that the snakes are really haitians in disguise

they will send out the tea party

tea partier vs python would be great film footage

and if the numbers were reduced (snakes or teapartier) it would be all good

[FarCenter]

13. Buckshot to the head is the appropriate solution

[T S Justly]

14. Get those bastards (nt)