Latest news with #BurmesePythons
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Burmese Python, 13-foot long, killed by Florida bobcat in Everglades; first recorded case
Burmese Python, 13-foot long, killed by Florida bobcat in Everglades; first recorded case In a rare and surprising turn of events, a Florida bobcat was captured on camera taking down a 13-foot Burmese python in a bold and unusual attack. Burmese pythons are wreaking havoc on the Everglades ecosystem, but some native animals have been known to prey on the enormous reptiles. Wildlife biologists say the encounter could be a significant development in the battle between native predators in Florida's Everglades. The snake's remains were found near the city of Naples in December 2022 by Ian Bartoszek, a wildlife biologist of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. The researchers are studying how native predators are adapting to invasive snakes - and possibly seeing them as a new food source. 13-foot Burmese python killed by a Florida bobcat Bartoszek's team was tracking Loki, a 13-foot long, 52 pound scout snake. They expected to find Loki with a female python. Instead, they found his remains- partially buried under pine needles. Bartoszek, who had tracked Loki through six breeding seasons said, 'It was a bit sad and a bit exciting at the same time. We sort of treated it as a bit of a CSI crime scene'. The team started to look for evidence and clues as to what had killed the massive snake. The way Loki's neck was chewed and head buried, pointed to a native predator: a Florida bobcat. Soon after, the trail camera confirmed the suspicion, capturing footage of the scene. Burmese Pythons in Florida: A growing threat Native to Southeast Asia, Burmese pythons first arrived in America in the 1990s and early 2000s as part of the exotic pet trade. But as the number of snakes grew, some pet owners felt like they could not keep them, and released them into the wild. Burmese pythons are non-native apex predators that have wreaked havoc on Florida's delicate ecosystem since escaping or being released into the wild decades ago. Known to eat a variety of animals—including deer, raccoons, birds, and even bobcats—they've drastically reduced populations of many native species in the Everglades. What led to the kill, weather may have played a role According to biologists, the bobcat may have taken advantage of a rare opportunity. Just days before Loki was found dead, a cold snap hit South Florida. As a cold-blooded reptile, the python may have been vulnerable outside of its burrow, making it an easy target for a bold bobcat. While pythons are known to prey on bobcats, this role reversal could indicate that native predators are adapting to the presence of the invasive snakes. Florida wildlife conservation: A concern The incident is being seen as an important step to manage Florida's increasing python population. Since 2013, Bartoszek and his team have followed male pythons to help locate and remove breeding females, helping to slow their spread. Now, with native animals starting to treat pythons as their prey, this could mark a beginning to fight back and restore ecological balance in the Everglades. Researchers are still collecting evidence and looking for trends in how predators like bobcats and bears. 'There's a bit of a pattern emerging that - and you'd expect as much - over time, the ecosystem is rebalancing itself. It's fighting back,' Bartoszek said. 'These native predators are recognizing Burmese pythons as a new food source and are able to take advantage of some of their vulnerabilities.' Also read | 47-million-year-old snake found may be the biggest ever, surpassing Titanoboa
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Burmese Python in Florida: The snake that squeezes its prey to death
(Burmese Python | Image source: Wikipedia) The Burmese python , native to Southeast Asia, has become one of Florida's most notorious invasive species. Originally brought to the US through the exotic pet trade, these massive snakes, some growing over 20 feet, have established a thriving population in the Everglades. Known for their incredible strength, Burmese pythons kill by wrapping their powerful bodies around prey and suffocating it. Their presence has severely impacted local ecosystems, preying on mammals, birds, and even alligators. With no natural predators in Florida, their numbers continue to rise, presenting a growing challenge for conservationists and wildlife officials. Burmese Python | Image source: Wikipedia How Burmese Pythons took over the Florida everglades Burmese pythons were imported into the US in large numbers between the 1980s and early 2000s, mainly for the exotic pet trade. Many owners, unprepared for the snake's immense size and care requirements, released them into the wild. In 2000, a self-sustaining population was confirmed in the Florida Everglades. Experts believe accidental escapes during hurricanes also contributed to their spread. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Burmese Pythons hunting technique Unlike venomous snakes, Burmese pythons kill by constriction. They ambush their prey, bite to secure it with sharp, backwards-facing teeth, then coil tightly around the victim. The pressure cuts off blood flow and air supply, leading to suffocation. Their flexible jaws allow them to swallow animals much larger than their heads, including deer and even alligators. Burmese Python | Image source: Wikipedia Burmese Pythons are wiping out Florida's wildlife The presence of Burmese pythons has wreaked havoc on Florida's native wildlife. Studies have shown drastic declines in populations of raccoons, opossums, rabbits, and birds in areas where pythons are established. Their competition with native predators, such as bobcats and alligators, further disrupts the ecosystem balance. Efforts to control Burmese Pythons' population Florida wildlife authorities have launched several initiatives to curb the python population, including the Florida Python Challenge, where hunters compete to capture and remove as many snakes as possible. Additionally, researchers are studying python behavior to improve tracking and removal strategies. Bobcats vs. Pythons: A surprising turn in Florida's wildlife battle Interestingly, recent studies have documented native bobcats preying on python eggs. While this alone will not solve the problem, it suggests that some native species may be adapting to the python's presence, offering a small but hopeful sign of nature's resilience. Also read | Why do flight attendants insist on opening window shades before takeoff and landing
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Yahoo
Invasive Species in Florida: The 10 Worst Invaders
Florida ranks No. 1 for invasive species in the continental United States with more than 500 species of problematic animals, birds, plants, and fish. Thanks to its subtropical climate, wildlife smuggling, and some poor management practices by residents and visitors, the state is now home to hundreds of non-native flora and fauna. Florida has three dozen international ports of entry, a worldwide reputation for reptile and plant trade, and hundreds of millions of tourists every year. Birds, fish, seeds and animals come and go, legally and illegally, every day in the Sunshine State. Some of the worst invasive species in Florida are easily identified. Feral hogs are found throughout the state, from the Everglades in the south to Panhandle palmetto swamps and forests. Lionfish and Burmese pythons have spread wildly, impacting other species so dramatically that hunting contests for the invasives are now celebrated each year. The University of Florida says it takes about $30 million a year to manage invasive species in Florida. It also says while just 4 percent of plant species in Florida are considered invasive, those comprise more than a third of the state's biomass. Read through this whole story or just tap on a topic below to jump straight to it. What Is an Invasive Species? The Worst Invasive Species in Florida Feral Pigs Burmese Pythons Cuban Tree Frogs Green Iguanas Giant African Snails Tegu Lizards Rhesus Monkeys Cane Toads Feral Cats Armadillos Invasive Fish Species Invasive Plant Species FAQs Final Thoughts An invasive species must meet two criteria, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. First it must be non-native to the ecosystem under consideration, meaning it does not occur there naturally. Second, the species must 'cause or [be] likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.' Some species may be non-native without causing problems. The USDA says this isn't the same as a species being invasive. Tomatoes and peppers originated in South America but don't cause issues for North American ecosystems. Related: Scientists Photograph Giant Python Swallowing a Full-Sized Whitetail Whole in First-of-Its-Kind Discovery For an example of a true invasive species, look no further than the Burmese python in Florida's southern Everglades. One of several constrictors known to exist in the 'glades, the python has decimated native species including rabbits, raccoons, opossums, and birds. Pythons also eat deer and alligators. The largest python captured measured more than 19 feet long. Humans may exacerbate the spread of invasive species — intentionally or unintentionally. Many states have regulations or laws about trapping and releasing feral swine, for example, in order to help reduce the spread. An example of unintentional spread is the introduction of fire ants in Mobile, Alabama, about 100 years ago. Officials suspect the ants were among the dirt used for ballast, which was discarded in port by ships from South America. Of course, there are now fire ants in Florida. For this list I decided to stick with invasive wildlife. Invasive plants and fish deserve their own lists. I picked critters that have a clear negative impact on the state's native flora and fauna. This could be because they are outcompeting resident wildlife (or preying upon them), or because they are wreaking havoc on habitat. Feral pigs have thrived in the South for so long it's easy to sometimes forget they're an invasive species. They were introduced by Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto when he landed somewhere along the central Florida coast near present-day Sarasota in 1560 or so. Swine were among his ship's cargo. Once camp was established, it's no surprise that some of the swine escaped or possibly were let go. Either way, DeSoto is credited with the introduction in Florida, and possibly into Alabama, Mississippi, and other Southeast states he explored. Feral swine in Florida are a major issue. There are an estimated half million feral pigs in Florida (they can be found in every county). They notoriously root up massive areas looking for food. This destabilizes the soil, weakens native vegetation, damages lawns, and causes erosion. Feral pigs' wallowing behavior destroys small ponds and stream banks, which may affect water quality. Unfortunately, they also prey upon ground-nesting wildlife, like quail and even sea turtles, according to the University of Florida. Read Next: Feral swine are almost impossible to eliminate because they reproduce two or three times a year and have few predators other than humans. In Florida, they're seen on golf courses, in yards, and even marauding Disney World. Pythons are one of three breeding populations of constrictors established in Florida, the other two being the Northern African and Reticulated pythons. The latter two are believed to have small enough populations that extermination is possible. The Burmese python, however, is well established and is believed to have gained a stronger foothold after Hurricane Andrew hit in 1992. The largest python captured was 19 feet long. One female being studied in the wild laid a record 96 eggs in a clutch. Researchers said 83 of those eggs hatched, illustrating how the pythons continue to maintain dominance in the Everglades and South Florida. These snakes have devastated small game populations including rabbits, raccoons, opossums and others, and they've been known to eat small deer and alligators. They're primarily nocturnal and have few predators besides humans (though there has been evidence of bobcats preying on python nests). Within the watery wilds of the Everglades, it seems like pythons will continue to thrive, despite our best efforts to eradicate them. Who doesn't love a big-eyed frog with funny toes? Floridians don't when it's the Cuban tree frog. This frog is believed to have hitchhiked from the Caribbean about 100 years ago in ships' cargo. While similar to native frogs in Florida, the Cuban tree frog is larger and may have different colorations. They can grow to almost 6 inches in length. They eat native frogs, along with lizards and small invertebrates. Once grown, they may be found inside houses near water sources such as sinks, shower drains, toilets, and fountains. A frog in a drain? No big deal. Enough big frogs to clog it? That's a problem. Because of their impact on native frogs and other critters, the Cuban tree frog leaps onto the list of Florida's worst invasive species. Resplendent in scaly beauty with vivid colors and rows of protective spines, the green iguana is one of several big lizards in Florida. The Nile monitor and tegu (see below) are the other common large lizards in the Sunshine State. Found mostly in southern Florida, iguanas stick to rocky areas like seawalls and protective riprap barriers. Yet the availability of food sources, ample habitat and 'Aw, they're cool so don't bother them' attitudes by many along the Gold Coast have helped the population grow. Iguanas dig burrows under the foundations of homes, buildings, seawalls, canal banks, dams, and pretty much everywhere else. They're imports from South America and Central America as part of this country's large reptile trade. Once in the wild, though, they can wreak havoc on native vegetation and fruits. Iguanas can be hunted year-round in Florida. This snail just won't die. In Florida it was first discovered in the 1960s. Wildlife officials spent more than $1 million over 10 years to eradicate it. At first wildlife managers thought they were successful. But then the giant African snail returned in Broward and Miami-Dade counties in 2011 thanks. Ten more years and more money resulted in extermination. Hurray! And yet a third reintroduction, in Pasco County on the west side of the state north of Tampa, has put officials on the grind again. The giant snails, which can grow to 8 inches long with a 5-inch diameter shell, indiscriminately eat at least 500 different types of plants. They can lay clutches of eggs every 2 to 3 months, and about 1,500 eggs a year. The snails cause damage to plaster, stucco, and other materials on homes and structures. Giant African snails also may carry and transmit a parasitic nematode that causes meningitis in humans. Among the plants it devours are vegetables, fruits and, in the absence of those, ornamental shrubs around homes or buildings. The most chill Florida lizard species might be the tegu. Brought in from South America, three species now exist in South Florida. The black-and-white Argentine tegu breed in Miami-Dade and Hillsboro counties, primarily in Florida City. Gold tegus are breeding and spreading in Miami-Dade, and the red tegu exists in the region, but hasn't yet bred there — as far as officials can tell. The Argentine species has moved north, with sightings in Georgia, South Carolina, and south Alabama. The tegu can grow to about 4 feet long and weigh 10 pounds or more. Tegus usually are found along roads, in disturbed areas. They eat almost anything, including small animals, birds, fruit, vegetables, and eggs. Ground-nesting birds such as turkeys, quail, and some songbirds are at risk of tegu predation. With tegus, iguana, and several species of semi-aquatic monitors, Florida is under a big-lizard invasion. Not surprisingly, Florida has several species of monkeys that arrived both intentionally and accidentally. The rhesus monkey's origin in Florida is a mixed bag: Some were escapees, some released by irresponsible owners, and some escaped from research facilities when Hurricane Andrew hit in 1992. They're native to southeast Asia, are strong swimmers, adaptable in the subtropical habitat similar to their homeland, and have been living in Florida for more than 80 years. Experts believe about 600 rhesus macaques live in Florida. Wildlife officials have caught more than 1,000 in the last 10 years. Officials say most of the captured monkeys had herpes B virus, which they could transmit to humans. That's one heck of a public health hazard. Perhaps the cane toad could have a death match showdown with the Cuban tree frog? That would be interesting, since these two invasive species wreak havoc while outcompeting native species. The cane toad is native to Central and South America, and grows to a max of 9 inches in size. Wildlife officials say Florida's native toads typically grow to 4 inches or less. These nasty invasive amphibians eat just about anything they can fit in their mouth: insects, small invertebrates, grubs, tiny birds, lizards, snakes, or whatever else they catch and don't spit back out. Also, the Cane Toad emits a toxin that irritates skin and eyes. This toxin can kill pets that bite the toad. Cane toads now exist primarily in the central and southern part of the state. Officials are on the lookout for a northward migration. A scourge across the country, feral cats are one of the introduced invasive species that most people don't consider. A cat? What damage could Whiskers do? Feral cats aren't the tame house cats you might be familiar with. If they've been in the wilderness while reproducing, they're quite adept at remaining alive, hiding, foraging, hunting and surviving. Feral cats will eat rodents, small animals, and birds. The latter is one of the biggest concerns, especially with native populations of songbirds. Feral cats are adept climbers and stalkers, with the ability to climb trees and ravage nests or wait for a shot at an unassuming bird. Cats kill an estimated 1.3 billion to 4 billion birds each year in the U.S. Some 69 percent of these kills are thanks to feral cats, according to one landmark study. Feral cats also can carry and transmit diseases. Despite the animal rights crowd's passion to spay-neuter and release feral cats, they're one invasive that should be on the hit list everywhere. The armadillo was brought to the state in the 19th century from South America. The nine-banded armadillo reproduces prolifically, has no serious predators, and is mostly nocturnal. Coyotes, hogs, and bobcats will eat them, but for the most part armadillos have it pretty easy. They dig holes, which is problematic for farmers and ranchers. Armadillos also transmit diseases. Leprosy is most closely associated with armadillos, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say the risk is low. Still, they're not cuddly. Armadillos have sharp claws and a wicked sense of smell, which helps them feed on invertebrates, grubs, ants, and termites. Weirdly enough, the nine-banded armadillo can inflate its intestines to float in water or hold its breath and scoot across the bottom of a small waterway. They're found throughout the state and are spreading across America. There are too many invasive and non-native fish species in Florida to list here, but here's the top of the roster: Photos from the World's Biggest Lionfish Derby Red Lionfish Asian Grass Carp Blue Tilapia African Jewelfish Oscar Fish Walking Catfish Asian Swamp Eel Pike Killfish Clown Featherback Snakehead Clown Knife Fish Mayan Cichlid This is just a small snippet of the invasive plant species taking root in Florida Rosary Pea Foxtail Copper Leaf Red Sandalwood Tung Oil Tree Texas Madeiravine Alligator Weed Skunkvine Brazilian Pepper Australian Pine Melaleuca Tree Water Hyacinth Japanese Honeysuckle Lantana Camphor Tree No, the American alligator is native to Florida. Gators exist in all 67 Florida counties, where officials regulate them as a game species. The American crocodile, which lives in Southern Florida, is native to the state, too. Many other notable reptiles are not native to Florida, however, and those include green iguanas and tegu lizards. It depends on the species. In general, yes you can lethally remove invasive species in Florida, although there are often regulations around how and when you can do that. This particularly true if you live in a populated area with hunting or pest control restrictions. For instance, FWC has specific regulations for taking invasive Burmese pythons. You can kill many invasive species year-round without a permit on private property. If you're not sure about a particular species, check state regs or contact the FWC. Not exactly. Coyotes are not invasive to Florida, according to the FWC. They began to appear in the state in the 1970s as part of a natural range expansion into the East. There are a lot of cool critters in Florida, both native and non-native. The problem is that any successful non-native species will attempt to muscle out a native species that already fills the same niche. Pythons compete with native alligators as the apex predator of the swamp. Invasive frogs and toads bully the smaller amphibians into decline. Humans will likely never eradicate the worst invasive species in Florida. Still, all outdoorsmen and women should do their best to stop their spread and to prevent more introductions.
