Facts About Burmese Pythons as an Invasive Species

1. It is a South Florida Issue- Burmese Pythons as a feral and Invasive Species are Endemic to South Florida below Lake Okeechobee only. They do not exist anywhere else in the US. Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission has taken steps to limit further introductions.

2. Not Released By Pet Owners- According to the Genetics Study presented to the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) by Florida International University & the National Park Service, the vast majority of Burmese Pythons sampled come from identical genetic stock. This population of pythons was NOT introduced over time by irresponsible pet owners. It points to a mass introduction; possibly Hurricane Andrew in 1992.

3. Will Not Spread out of South Florida- The US Geologic Survey (USGS) Map Published in 2008, illustrating the spread of Burmese Pythons over the southern third of the US, has been characterized as ‘Junk Science’ by many in the Herpetological Community. It has been rebutted and contradicted by more objective studies. The only place in the country that has the proper climate is S. FL & S. TX, but only S. FL has the necessary habitat.

4. Federal BAN Won’t Work- There is No Credible Scientific Evidence that passing Federal Legislation Banning the Import and Trade of Boas & Pythons will have any affect whatsoever on the feral Burmese Python population in the Everglades. It would be costly and impossible to enforce.

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