Dear Mr. Potts:

Thank you for writing me regarding management of invasive species, such as the Burmese python snake, in the Everglades National Park.

Biologists with Everglades National Park confirmed a breeding population of Burmese python in the Florida Everglades in 2003 and speculate that their introduction is most likely the result of released pets. The presence of this snake threatens some 68 endangered species that live in the fragile Everglades ecosystem.

Python populations have since been discovered in Big Cypress National Preserve to the north, Miami’s water management areas to the northeast, Key Largo to the southeast, and many State parks, municipalities, and public and private lands in the region.

Further, new climate maps developed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) suggest that Burmese pythons and other giant snakes are highly adaptable to new environments and could thrive in climactic conditions previously thought prohibitive.

I appreciate your informed policy suggestions on this issue and will keep them in mind. Please do not hesitate to contact me again.

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