In a wildlife area close to Fort Lauderdale, a Florida Fish & Wildlife python trapper scored the capture of a lifetime over the weekend.
The advice from my Brazilian Ju-Jitsu pals is to just let her work. Got to let them work,” Matthew Kogo stated in jest as he made an effort to calm the snake down.
A 17-foot, 1-inch apex predator was subdued by state trapper Kogo at the Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area.
“This is quality time,” he chuckled.
Ahead of this summer’s 2024 Florida Python Challenge, scientists caution that increased heat, persistent rain, and humidity may highlight the presence of invasive snakes in more residential areas.
Because they are invasive, Burmese pythons severely damage the Everglades’ native species. According to FWC, the snakes have lowered some mammal populations by as much as 90% and devour anything from deer to alligators.
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Because they are exothermic, snakes, including pythons, prefer warm, humid environments in which to be active. Dr. Andrew Durso, a professor at Florida Gulf Coast University and wildlife biologist, described them as tropical snakes.
“Nighttime temperatures are over 75 degrees. It’s probably a good rule of thumb for nocturnal Python activity,” Durso stated.
For information on handling Burmese pythons, get in touch with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission.
