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FAQs: Taking conditional reptiles on wildlife management areas | |||
Updated July 9, 2010
Why is the FWC allowing the taking of conditional reptiles (including Burmese pythons) on certain wildlife management areas (WMAs) in South Florida?The nonnative Burmese python has spread throughout the southern Everglades. Since it has few natural predators in Florida, its numbers have grown into the thousands in South Florida, and it has preyed on native wildlife, including the federally endangered Key Largo woodrat. The FWC manages three public lands on the python's northernmost range and believes that offering licensed hunters the opportunity to euthanize Burmese pythons and other conditional reptiles will help eradicate these invasive, nonnative species from Florida and prevent their northern movement. From which WMAs are hunters allowed to take conditional reptiles?There are three areas: Everglades and Francis S. Taylor, Holey Land and Rotenberger WMAs. On which areas have the most conditional reptiles been seen?Maps of recent Burmese python observations are linked below:
The most sightings have occurred along Tamiami Trail in Miami-Dade County within Everglades and Francis S. Taylor WMA. Did the cold weather affect the conditional reptile population?The cold snap in January and February dramatically reduced the numbers of Burmese pythons in the wild. Based on observations and reports from python removal permit holders, biologists and hunters, the FWC believes 50 percent of the wild Burmese python population died as a result of the record cold weather. The FWC believes seasonal kills are beneficial in helping to control nonnative reptile populations. Since the cold snap occurred during the pythons' mating season, it is further hoped that this year's reproductive season has been hindered. However, a portion of the population did survive and still poses a threat to South Florida if not managed properly. Who is eligible to harvest conditional reptiles from these three WMAs?Any person with a valid hunting license and a $26 management area permit may harvest conditional reptiles from any of the three WMAs listed above. When can hunters harvest conditional reptiles?Properly licensed and permitted hunters can harvest conditional reptiles through April 17 on Everglades and Francis S. Taylor, Holey Land and Rotenberger WMAs between one-half hour before sunrise and one-half hour after sunset. How many conditional reptiles have been harvested as a result of the special season?As of April 5, no harvested conditional reptiles have been reported by hunters to the FWC. Since many pythons died during January's and February's cold snap and because the WMAs have never been home to the largest python populations in the Everglades, this is to be expected. However, some Burmese pythons did survive the cold weather, and it is important that hunters capture and euthanize any pythons found in these areas through the current season, which lasts until April 17. Besides Burmese pythons, what other conditional reptiles can be harvested on these areas?All conditional snakes and lizards reptiles may be harvested, including the:
What are the methods of take for harvesting conditional reptiles on these WMAs during this period?Conditional reptiles may be taken by all legal methods used in taking game animals (including shotguns, rimfire rifles and pistols) and legal methods for taking alligators on the water; however, the use of centerfire rifles is prohibited. Conditional reptiles also may be captured with nets and snares but must be euthanized on site. Any conditional reptiles harvested may not be taken out of the areas alive and must be reported to the FWC within 36 hours by calling, toll-free, 866-392-4286, or by completing the online form. How will I recognize a Burmese python?Most Burmese pythons will be longer than any native snake. Florida's longest native snake, the indigo snake, reaches 8 feet but is midnight blue or black and has no markings. Burmese pythons have dark blotches along their back and sides. Some native watersnakes have similar markings but have a more streamlined head, rather than the pyramid-shaped and blunt snout of a python. Cottonmouths (water moccasins) and rattlesnakes also have bigger heads but are shorter than adult pythons. For more information on snake identification, pick up a handout at a check station or visit FWC's Burmese Python Identification page. Why is the FWC asking hunters to help?Hunters have played a key role with conservation in Florida. The FWC recognizes that there are many local hunters who really "know" the swamps and woods in which they hunt and have a vested interest in helping rid South Florida of these invasive, nonnative reptiles. What about taking conditional reptiles on private lands or public lands other than WMAs?Any nonnative species, including conditional reptiles, can be taken on private land throughout the year with landowner permission and by legal methods for the local area. (Many municipalities do not allow discharge of firearms; the FWC does not allow poison or explosives.) Nuisance trappers that intend to capture conditional snakes and lizards and transport them alive must obtain a conditional species permit. Do I have to capture a conditional reptile if I see one?No, you do not. When taking any wild creature, sometimes a risk is involved, and you should not try anything that you do not feel safe or comfortable doing. However, the FWC still would like you to report any conditional reptiles sightings by calling, toll-free, 866-392-4286, or by completing the online form. Can I sell the hide or meat from a python? Is the skin or meat worth anything? Is it even safe to eat?You may sell the hide or skin to leather tanneries, some of which buy alligator hides. Python skin often is used in making cowboy boots, and the boots have been popular and fashionable for years. You also may sell the meat to a certified meat processor, but according to the National Park Service, testing on two dozen Burmese pythons captured in the Everglades revealed extraordinarily high levels of mercury in the meat - levels well above what is considered safe to eat. How did Burmese pythons become established in South Florida?It is believed that during Hurricane Andrew in 1992, some Burmese pythons escaped from cages. Even though it is illegal to do so, it is possible some pet owners may have released their Burmese pythons into the wild when the animals had grown too large for their owners to care for them. Where can I find more information about Burmese pythons and other conditional reptiles?Visit http://myfwc.org/WILDLIFEHABITATS/Nonnative_ConditionalReptiles.htm for more information Will the FWC continue allowing hunters to take pythons and other conditional reptiles from WMAs during future hunting seasons?Yes. Licensed hunters who also have the necessary permits (i.e., management area permit, archery or muzzleloading gun permit, quota permit) will be allowed to harvest conditional reptiles on Everglades, Holey Land, Rotenberger and Big Cypress WMAs during established hunting seasons on each WMA, beginning on Aug. 28. Note that the take of conditional reptiles on Big Cypress WMA does not begin until Sept. 4. At that time, any conditional reptiles taken from Big Cypress must be checked in at one of the area's six check stations. Properly licensed and permitted hunters can harvest conditional reptiles during the following hunting season dates during the 2010-2011 hunting season and during legal shooting hours:
In addition, those with an alligator harvest permit also may participate if their permit allows them to hunt alligators within one of the four WMAs. For more information about hunting regulations, visit MyFWC.com/Hunting. Fast Facts - Burmese pythons in the wild in Florida
Fast Facts - Burmese pythons as pets in Florida
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