Florida Wildlife Experts Make Record Capture of Invasive Pythons

In a significant operation, 11 Burmese pythons weighing 500 pounds were removed from Florida's ecosystem, marking a record capture for the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.

• Wildlife experts in Florida captured 11 Burmese pythons, totaling 500 pounds, in a single day, setting a new record for the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.
• The pythons were found in three mating balls in Collier County, showcasing the invasive species' significant impact on the local ecosystem.
• The operation utilized novel implants in male 'scout snakes' to locate the pythons, highlighting innovative approaches to wildlife management.
• The capture adds to the total of over 35,000 pounds of pythons removed from the region since 2013, illustrating the ongoing battle against invasive species.
• Burmese pythons, introduced to Florida in the 1970s, have led to a 90% decline in native mammal populations, emphasizing the urgency of their removal.

3 Articles

People NBC News The Guardian