There is a question that often comes up about what happens to pets, that people release into the wild. Here in south Florida there is a major problem that has been created by this kind of irresponsible action. While snakes are not the only pets that cause such a problem, it is the biggest one here in the Everglades. What typically happens is that some foolish citizen buys this cute, 18" long Burmese Python in the local pet store, thinking it will be lots of fun. But a python, like any other pet, grows and if kept healthy it grows very quickly. The catch comes when the snake becomes so long that it requires more space than you have and it eats right through your budget! So what to do? I know! Why not let it go free out in the Everglades?

Everglades National Park now has a reproducing population of Burmese Pythons in the park which is a major problem. These snakes can grow to exceed 20 feet in length and to weigh more than 300 pounds. They are dangerous and they have nearly made some mamals, such as the marsh rabbit extinct. This particular one was removed from the area where we work, back in December. It was just over 10 feet long and weighed  nearly 200 pounds. The location was about 100 yards from the visitor center and next to the nature trail that is used daily.

No pet should ever be released into the wild, or dumpped in the country either.