Burmese Python Hunt Extended
There’s a war on Burmese pythons and the odds are in the snakes favor, for now. A seven member python posse began hunting the snakes in mid-July. So far only six have been caught. Governor Charlie Crist met with The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission to discuss further action.
“If six have already been taken and this is the more difficult time in which to apprehend them I’m sure the commission will make a well informed thoughtful determination once October 31st gets here,” said Crist.
The governor and the commission agreed to extend the search in hopes the cooler temperatures will bring more snakes into the open. The state is also exploring a ban on the import and breeding of Burmese pythons.
“We are looking at internet sales, prohibiting internet sales, looking at what kind of industry is in Florida now, where these snakes are sold, how they are produced and how they come into the state,” said Colonel Julie Jones with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.
Florida’s Secretary of the Department Environmental Protection Mike Sole said the snakes are jeopardizing Everglade’s restoration.
“Here we have these introduced species that are further disrupting the ecological balance of the Everglades as we try to get the water right,” said Sole.
But with a 100-thousand Burmese pythons and just seven hunters, getting rid of the snakes will be a long battle. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission is considering allowing more hunters to participate in the snake hunts.
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