I eventually made it down to Flamingo Bay (extreme southern part of the Everglades). I decided to rent a canoe to seek out acutus and whatever else I could find. Right away I found an adult male american croc and one of his ladies. About a quarter mile away from the adults, I found two juveniles. They were too quick for me to even snap a photo. Both of them were basking on mangrove roots. On the way back to retun the canoe I starting to scan the trees instead of just the shoreline. I spotted a burm. I immediately emptied my back pack hoping I would nab him. He was coiled up on a branch overhanging the water approximately 5' and was approximately 6' above the water. I manuvered the canoe right up to him and grabbed ahold of the part closest to me. As soon as I grabbed him, he struck and I released. Immediately, the python dove staight into the water. Based on the distance from the branch to the water, I estimated him to be 7-8' long. I hopped out of the canoe and waded around in the water waiting for him to resurface. Several times I heard water movement, but never did see the animal resurface. Apparently they can hold their breath for quite a while. I probably spent 45 minuted in the area hoping for another sighting. I ended up bringing the canoe back 1 1/2 hours after the end of the day. The lady told me they were about to send out a search party. It wasn't my fault, it was the python's. lol
The one ranger told me he ran over a 13' burm late one night just up the road.
Eric Erb
