Joining the Florida Wildlife Federation team has been an incredible privilege, allowing me to work on protecting the very wild spaces I grew up exploring and the species I care so much about. Plus, it’s the upmost privilege to work alongside such passionate individuals who share my dedication to Florida’s wildlife. In October I had the chance to connect more with my team as we embarked on a staff retreat featuring a search for pythons—which not only deepened our understanding of the unique ecosystem of the Everglades but also highlighted collaborative conservation efforts to protect it.
Being from North Florida, I went into this trip knowing very little about Burmese pythons and their impact as an invasive species. I knew that this has been a growing problem in South Florida, however I didn’t fully comprehend the intricacies of python removal and just how passionate the people involved are.
Donna Kalil, Python Elemination Specialist
We organized the trip with Donna Kalil, a python elimination specialist. She’s a contractor with the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) “Python Elimination Program.” We met Donna and Jenna Cole, SFWMD Invasive Animal Biologist, in the late evening at Miccosukee Casino, where we climbed into our chariots for the evening: large trucks outfitted with LED lights. Donna’s vehicle includes a self-made “python perch” which allows passengers to stand and search for the snakes from a higher vantage point.
After a brief introduction to the area and what we were looking for, we set out on the levee roads within a water conservation area on the outskirts of Everglades National Park. The trucks are used to cover ground quickly, and we scoured the marshes with our lights looking for the slight glimmer of python skin. We paid particular attention to where the water meets the road and upland areas, as pythons are semi-aquatic and often find their prey on land.
Burmese pythons are native to Asia and were released into the wild in Florida through the exotic pet trade, likely when the snakes became too big or difficult to care for. They are among the largest snakes in the world, often reaching lengths of 10 to 16 feet, with some exceptional individuals growing even longer, weighing upwards of 200 pounds. The largest python found in Florida was 19 feet! Burmese pythons are non-venomous constrictors, relying on their powerful muscles to suffocate prey, which can include small mammals and birds. These pythons are also notable for their adaptability, thriving in diverse habitats such as wetlands, grasslands, and forests, and can be highly secretive, making them difficult to spot in the wild.
The first recorded removal of a python was in 1979 in the Everglades. In 2000, a breeding population was confirmed. Their invasive presence has severely impacted native wildlife in Florida, disrupting local ecosystems and food chains. According to the SFWMD, this apex predator causes significant impacts to marsh rabbits, deer, wading birds and even alligators. Their aggressive predation on native wildlife robs native predators, such as panthers, raptors, alligators, and bobcats of their primary food sources.
The Python Elimination Program employs 50 contractors year-round to seek out the invasive snakes. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has a similar Python Patrol program as well. Non-contractors can also remove pythons from private lands with permission and certain public lands without a permit. Regardless of the location of capture, they must be humanely euthanized on-site. For passionate “herpers” like Donna who love all reptiles and amphibians, this isn’t easy. Every person we encountered on the trip had an obvious deep appreciation for these snakes and they participate in python removal for the greater benefit of native species.
Alligator Hatchling
We continued our search for several hours, moving up and down the levee roads. We marveled at the expanse of sawgrass and sightings of other species like alligators, great blue herons, and screech owls—while realizing just how difficult it is to spot the elusive pythons. I asked Jenna if python removal felt like an uphill battle, and she did recognize that they are in a management state, however each individual python removed means the survival of many native animals.
Just when the search started to feel unproductive, a raccoon scurried across our path. Then a little bit later, we spotted a possum. The presence of these small mammals seemed like a beacon of hope that native populations are making a comeback. In Donna’s 10 years of seeking out pythons, she remarked that was only the second time she had spotted a raccoon, so I felt honored to have shared that experience with her.
Just before midnight, the apex predator we were long awaiting finally made an appearance. Jenna spotted one just off the road and quickly stopped to catch it. Just shy of two feet long, we were only slightly disappointed to not see a more impressive adult. Knowing that this little one could reach over six feet in length within a year by preying on the birds and mammals we spotted, we were satisfied with this capture.
We had the privilege of seeing this impressive, beautiful creature up close. Every scale and muscle is built for stealth and power, a reminder of how adapted these snakes are for survival. Witnessing a python up close also brings a new sense of urgency to conservation efforts. It’s one thing to know about the ecological impact of invasive species, but it’s another to see the reality of it firsthand.
This experience proved to me that python hunting is not just a sport, but a vital conservation tool. At the Federation we believe that responsible hunting conducted ethically and sustainably can play a significant role in conservation. Python management continues to evolve and groups such as SFWMD and the FWC remain committed to using research to define the best path forward—with the survival of native species at the forefront.
To learn more about Burmese pythons and the removal process, you can visit the SFWMD and FWC respective websites. These entities encourage the public to get involved with education around pythons, and if you’re intrigued: participate in python elimination! If you are exploring South Florida and think you see a Burmese python, report it immediately to the FWC by calling the Exotic Species Hotline at 888-Ive-Got1 (888-483-4681).
Great article, very informative on the python’s that I didn’t know.