Burmese pythons (Python bivittatus) are an invasive species wreaking havoc on Florida’s ecosystems already under attack from numerous other invasive species. For several years Florida python hunters have answered the call to retaliate. This year is no exception.
According to Popular Science the annual 10-day hunt began earlier in August. The goal for Floria python hunters is to catch and destroy as many of the rapacious creatures as possible. The snakes may have eaten 90 of the mammals in some areas. Nevertheless, the snakes are to be disposed of humanely or even eaten.
The recommended disposal method is pithing. The snake is first hit on the head with a mallet. Then an ice pick or similar tool is used to scramble the brain. There are suggestions that people should eat the python meat. Some restaurants are experimenting with python dishes. The official website has all the rules and regulations for aspiring Florida python hunters. There are year-round opportunities to help reduce the numbers of pythons in the state.
Last year 209 were taken by Florida python hunters during the event. An estimated 18,000 have been captured under any circumstances up to 2023. The estimated python population may be 300,000 so these numbers seem small. But a female can lay up to 100 eggs at a time. The average is lower. She lays multiple clutches during her lifetime. Taking a female out of the equation is a significant victory.
Catching a female prevents the laying of hundreds of eggs.
It is also possible that the snakes will migrate out of Florida. The reptiles have moved out of the Everglades and may move to other states.