The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) began a program on July 17 where hand-picked Reptile of Concern permit holders were issued a permit to capture and euthanize Reptiles of Concern on selected FWC-managed sites.

The FWC has issued seven permits to date for this program, which will last until Oct. 31. Two more may be issued in the coming weeks. The permit holders must provide certain scientific data to the FWC after the reptiles are euthanized, which will help the agency learn more about the pythons and assist in preventing the further spread of this exotic species.

This program has drawn intense media scrutiny since its inception. While the FWC welcomes the opportunity to educate the public about this problem, it is also important that the permit holders do their job effectively and efficiently with as few distractions as possible. As a result, the FWC will be managing all media contact for the permit holders. While ride-alongs are a possibility with some of the permit holders, they must be coordinated so these reptile specialists can do the work required of them.

Please contact the appropriate person below regarding the FWC’s Burmese python permit program.

Ride-alongs – Carol Pratt, 850-251-2212

General questions – Gabriella Ferraro, 772-215-9459

General questions/interviews with experts – Patricia Behnke, 850-251-2130

In addition, updates on the Burmese python permit program will be provided at MyFWC.com. Go to “Quick Clicks” and click on “Burmese pythons.” As the permit holders provide data to the FWC, this site will be updated. You also will find Frequently Asked Questions, which will give you particulars about pythons and this program.