2016, 4 week Python Challenge -- Too little, too late
Feb 16, 2016 11:43:35 GMT -5
Post by Ira Runyan on Feb 16, 2016 11:43:35 GMT -5
Well the 2016, 4 week Python Challenge put on by the FWC just ended with a reported 102 Burmese Pythons captured. The FWC has sent news releases to all the news outlets it could find to spread the word about the Python Challenge and it’s results as if it was a big deal. The truth however is that the elimination of 102 snakes in the Everglades is nothing. There are thousands of Pythons in the Everglades and each sexually mature female Python can lay 30-50 eggs each year. Not all eggs will survive to adults but many more than 102 will.
The Burmese Python, which can be as large as 23 feet long and weigh up to 200 pounds, doesn't belong in the Florida Everglades. U.S. Geological Survey Director Marcia McNutt said of the Everglades National Park in a 2012 report .that the native Southeast Asian snake is "wreaking havoc on one of America's most beautiful, treasured and naturally bountiful ecosystems" and further said "Right now, the only hope to halt further python invasion into new areas is swift, decisive and deliberate human action.". The invasive species is responsible for causing the near "complete disappearance of raccoons, rabbits and opossums," according to the USGS, and goes almost completely unchecked in its environment.
The truth is that unless the FWC really gets serious about eradicating the Burmese Python from Florida, they will be in this state forever.......
News article about the 2016 Python Challenge
In all fairness to FWC, they do have limited programs to remove Burmese Pythons throughout the year. Hunters may harvest Burmese pythons and other conditional reptiles on the following areas: Everglades and Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Holey Land WMA, Rotenberger WMA, Big Cypress WMA, Picayune Strand WMA, Rocky Glades Public Small Game Hunting Area (PSGHA) and Southern Glades Wildlife and Environmental Area (WEA).
Hunters must have a valid hunting license and WMA permit unless qualified as license exempt. Conditional reptiles may be harvested during any established hunting season on the WMAs listed above but hunters must follow the rules for each season (i.e., no use of guns during archery season). Everglades and Francis S. Taylor WMA, Holey Land WMA, Rotenberger WMA, Rocky Glades PSGHA and Southern Glades WEA also have a special season for conditional reptiles that begins after the last day of small game season and ends on the second Sunday in April. The date and location of all harvested conditional reptiles must be reported to FWC within 36 hours by calling 888-IVE-GOT1 (888-483-4681) or reporting online at IveGot1.org External Website. Hunters are encouraged to take and submit photographs of harvested pythons.
Also, there is the Burmese Python Removal Program, a management tool that allows people to remove Burmese pythons and other nonnative reptiles from state lands, and is not a python hunting program or a recreational program. Qualified applicants may apply for an interim permit that allows for removal of Burmese pythons and other conditional reptiles from three WMAs. Burmese Python Removal permits also allow for the live transport of conditional reptiles. This option is for Python Patrol responders, CISMA (Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area) cooperators, nuisance trappers and government employees that need to transport conditional reptiles as part of their job duties.
Also, FWC biologists are studying the Burmese Pythons in the wilds of the Florida Everglades.
All these actions amount to nothing more than a monitoring program. As we all know monitoring a problem does not fix the problem.
The Burmese Python, which can be as large as 23 feet long and weigh up to 200 pounds, doesn't belong in the Florida Everglades. U.S. Geological Survey Director Marcia McNutt said of the Everglades National Park in a 2012 report .that the native Southeast Asian snake is "wreaking havoc on one of America's most beautiful, treasured and naturally bountiful ecosystems" and further said "Right now, the only hope to halt further python invasion into new areas is swift, decisive and deliberate human action.". The invasive species is responsible for causing the near "complete disappearance of raccoons, rabbits and opossums," according to the USGS, and goes almost completely unchecked in its environment.
The truth is that unless the FWC really gets serious about eradicating the Burmese Python from Florida, they will be in this state forever.......
News article about the 2016 Python Challenge
In all fairness to FWC, they do have limited programs to remove Burmese Pythons throughout the year. Hunters may harvest Burmese pythons and other conditional reptiles on the following areas: Everglades and Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Holey Land WMA, Rotenberger WMA, Big Cypress WMA, Picayune Strand WMA, Rocky Glades Public Small Game Hunting Area (PSGHA) and Southern Glades Wildlife and Environmental Area (WEA).
Hunters must have a valid hunting license and WMA permit unless qualified as license exempt. Conditional reptiles may be harvested during any established hunting season on the WMAs listed above but hunters must follow the rules for each season (i.e., no use of guns during archery season). Everglades and Francis S. Taylor WMA, Holey Land WMA, Rotenberger WMA, Rocky Glades PSGHA and Southern Glades WEA also have a special season for conditional reptiles that begins after the last day of small game season and ends on the second Sunday in April. The date and location of all harvested conditional reptiles must be reported to FWC within 36 hours by calling 888-IVE-GOT1 (888-483-4681) or reporting online at IveGot1.org External Website. Hunters are encouraged to take and submit photographs of harvested pythons.
Also, there is the Burmese Python Removal Program, a management tool that allows people to remove Burmese pythons and other nonnative reptiles from state lands, and is not a python hunting program or a recreational program. Qualified applicants may apply for an interim permit that allows for removal of Burmese pythons and other conditional reptiles from three WMAs. Burmese Python Removal permits also allow for the live transport of conditional reptiles. This option is for Python Patrol responders, CISMA (Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area) cooperators, nuisance trappers and government employees that need to transport conditional reptiles as part of their job duties.
Also, FWC biologists are studying the Burmese Pythons in the wilds of the Florida Everglades.
All these actions amount to nothing more than a monitoring program. As we all know monitoring a problem does not fix the problem.