FWC Python Action Team removes 500th Burmese python

For immediate release: June 28, 2019

Media contact: Jamie Rager, 850-404-6104 or Jamie.Rager@MyFWC.com

Photos available on the FWC’s Flickr site:

Album link: https://flic.kr/s/aHskfdeZfE

Photo link: https://flic.kr/p/2gkLnoo

Suggested Tweet: 500th invasive #BurmesePython removed by @MyFWC Python Action Team! Full story: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLFFWCC/bulletins/24e33e1

FWC Python Action Team removes 500^th Burmese python

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Python Action Team has removed the program’s 500^th invasive Burmese python from the wild. Team members Beth Koehler and Peggy van Gorder captured the snake at 1:15 a.m. on Tuesday, June 25 at Everglades and Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area. It was a 9’ 10” long female and weighed 20 pounds, 14 ounces.

“Thanks to the hard-working men and women of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, hundreds of invasive Burmese pythons have been removed from the Everglades and our ecosystem,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “As we celebrate this significant milestone, my administration will continue to prioritize the protection of our environment, natural resources and wildlife, which are at the heart of our economy and our way of life here in Florida.”

“The capture of the 500^th snake by our Python Action Team marks a significant milestone for this program,” said Eric Sutton, Executive Director of the FWC. “Governor DeSantis has been instrumental in keeping this topic a priority. We’re proud of the great work that these men and women do every day, and it would not be possible without support from the Governor and Legislature.”

The FWC designed the Python Action Team to further engage qualified individuals with python management efforts. Team members are paid for their efforts to survey for and, when possible, capture Burmese pythons in specific areas throughout many public lands in South Florida.

Occasionally, the FWC receives reports of large nonnative constrictors through the Exotic Species Hotline (888-IVEGOT1). If available, Python Action Team members are sent to capture it and prevent new populations from establishing in new areas.

Burmese pythons became established in Florida as a result of escaped or released pets. People should never release nonnative pets in the wild in Florida. It is illegal and can negatively impact native wildlife and habitat. The FWC has an Exotic Pet Amnesty Program that allows nonnative pets to be surrendered without penalty. Visit MyFWC.com/PetAmnesty for more information.

For more information about the FWC’s Python Action Team, visit MyFWC.com/Python. 

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