Invasive Burmese Python Moves North for More Prey as Population Booms — Florida

As their population continues to rise significantly, experts warn that the Burmese python, an invasive species, is moving north of Florida in search of more prey.

The Burmese python population in Florida is growing outside of the Everglades after decimating its prey.

The Everglades National Park and other ecosystems in southern Florida are where the invasive species are largely found.

However, a recent study from the US Geological Survey found that the species is moving northward and is expanding outside of these habitats, with some individuals being found as far north as Lake Okeechobee.

Burmese pythons are expected to gradually spread into nearby natural habitats as they continue to decimate their prey base in Florida's southernmost natural areas and as their population grows, according to Michael Kirkland, a South Florida Water Management District senior invasive animal biologist and study co-author.

Burmese Pythons

In Florida, Burmese pythons are an invasive species. The species is indigenous to Asia, and it was probably brought to Florida in the 1970s through the exotic pet trade. Since then, they have flourished in the subtropical climate of the state, and their population is on the rise. As they continue to prey on local wildlife, this poses serious threats to the environment.

It is anticipated that the majority of snakes will remain south of Palm Beach, despite some being found north of Lake Okeechobee.

According to Kirkland, pythons are hardy creatures with a high capacity for environmental adaptation, but it's not clear how far north the invasive species will be able to spread if unchecked. The data clearly shows that pythons still prefer natural areas to urban development, even though there doesn't seem to be a suitable habitat or climate for them north of Lake Okeechobee at the moment.

According to Kirkland, the South Florida Water Management District, and its partners are doing their best to hold the line and stop the snakes from moving further afield in the state.

Kirkland continued by saying that it is still a top priority to restore the Everglades, including by making a suitable habitat for native species free from the threat of pythons as well as other invasive plants and animals.

With the help of dots that represent sightings or captures, the USGS map demonstrates the extent to which pythons have spread. From the Everglades, dots are seen moving north.

According to Jackie Guzy, author of the USGS report, those seen north of Lake Okeechobee might not be a part of the same population as those slithering in the Everglades or the south. Guzy says that these snakes might have recently escaped.

Florida Fish and Wildlife vs. Burmese Pythons

Burmese pythons are a special concern because they breed quickly and are challenging to control in terms of population.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has put in place several initiatives to try and control the population, but worries persist as the numbers keep rising.

This covers both allowing humane killings of Burmese Pythons on commissioned lands listed on the website as well as on private lands with the owner's permission.

According to Kirkland, there are many reasons to be concerned about local wildlife. severe declines in the numbers of fur-bearing animals in Everglades National Park and the nearby natural areas, specifically as a result of the python invasion. Wading birds are now frequently found in analyses of stomach content.

Previously believed to be restricted to Miami-Dade County's natural areas, Kirkland asserts that there is now a strong possibility that the invasive species population has spread as far north, reaching Palm Beach as well as Hendry Counties, Newsweek reports.