Crist ‘Aims’ At Not So Cute Pets

Florida’s Governor Charlie Crist has called for immediate action to be undertaken to halt and reverse the spread of pythons in Florida.  Crist’s call came after a 2-year-old Central Florida girl was suffocated by an unlicensed pet python in her home on July 1st.

“I was distressed to see the death that occurred recently,” he said. He added “It is important that we take action now to ensure a safe and healthy future for Florida’s native wildlife and habitats in the Everglades.”

The program, which will commence on Friday, will be undertaken by qualified volunteer herpetologists  and initially focus on state lands south of Lake Okechobee.

Officials have said that firearms or traps will not be used; rather pythons once caught, will be euthanized.

“We appreciate the governor’s attention to this matter, and will act with diligence to remove this harmful species from impacted state lands,” said Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Chairman Rodney Barreto.

It is not known how many pythons live in South Florida, but officials estimate that that number could be in the thousands, with many living in the Everglades.

Scientists have seen an explosion in the numbers of Burmese pythons in South Florida over the past decade, as part of the international pet trade.   It is believed that many may have escaped on account of the destruction of pet shops in the wake of Hurricane Andrew and also some deliberately dumped in the forest when owners perceived that the snakes were not so cute anymore.

Burmese pythons can grow over 20 feet long and weigh up to 250 pounds.  They are one of the 6th largest snakes in the world and are native to rain forest areas of Southeast Asia.

Many believe that Crist’s actions have been too long delayed,  given that the snakes have been slinking further north over the past several years and continue  to threaten several listed species, as well as humans.