The Python Removal Program is a permit program that allows Floridians to capture Burmese pythons, other conditional snakes and lizards, and tegus on three Wildlife Management Areas (Everglades and Francis S. Taylor WMA, Holey Land WMA, Rotenberger WMA) and several properties managed by the South Florida Water Management District in South Florida.
Why did the FWC institute a permit program to search for Burmese pythons?
This nonnative species to Florida has spread throughout the Everglades. Except for alligators and crocodiles, adult Burmese pythons have no predators in Florida. Pythons have consumed a wide variety of native and nonnative wildlife, and they have the capacity to adversely impact vulnerable species, such as the Key Largo woodrat and other listed species. The FWC manages lands for wildlife on the python's northern-most range and offers permit holders the opportunity to search for and remove Burmese pythons to bring valuable data to scientists and assist in managing the species in Florida. FWC is working in cooperation with the South Florida Water Management District, and permittees can also capture and remove pythons from several District-managed properties including Southern Glades WEA.
Who is eligible to participate in the program?
Applicants must have a digital camera and a GPS unit. Applicants must also be Florida residents and have experience handling large constrictors, catching wild snakes, working in remote conditions, and be knowledgeable about proper and humane methods of euthanizing reptiles.
Is a python permit required during the regular hunting season?
During established hunting seasons, anyone with a hunting license and wildlife management area permit plus any additionally required permits or stamps, depending on the season (e.g., archery season permit, muzzleloading gun season permit, quota hunt permit) can remove pythons and other conditional reptiles (snakes and lizards) from Everglades and Francis S. Taylor WMA, Rotenberger WMA, and Holey Land WMA, and these individuals must adhere to the area specific regulations. Persons with a python removal permit can remove pythons and other conditional reptiles from these WMAs year round. During established hunting seasons on these WMAs, python removal permit holders may use the gun(s) allowed during the specific hunting season (e.g., use of bow and arrow, no other guns, during archery season) from ½ before sunrise to ½ after sunset. From ½ hour after sunset until ½ before sunrise, permit holders can remove pythons by hand or hand-held equipment such as snake hooks or tongs.
When does the program begin?
Permits are issued beginning in January each year. All permits issued will expire on December 31 each year.
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Does the permit allow the take of other reptiles?
All conditional reptiles may be collected under this permit, which includes the Burmese or Indian python, reticulated python, northern African python, southern African python, amethystine python, scrub python, green anaconda and Nile monitor lizard. Tegus may also be taken under this permit.
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Where can the permit holders search for the Burmese python?
Authorized locations to search for and remove pythons under a python removal permit are Everglades and Francis S. Taylor WMA, Holey Land WMA, and Rotenberger WMA as well as several lands managed by the South Florida Water Management District. Authorized areas are listed on each permit.
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Is this a bounty program?
This program will allow those with the permit to search for and remove pythons. Permit holders may sell the hide and meat (note: Burmese pythons from Everglades National Park have been found to have very high levels of mercury and may not be recommended for human consumption). The FWC will not pay the permit holders for the pythons, but selling the skins and/or meat allows for a type of “bounty.”
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What are the requirements for capture?
The snakes can be captured by hand, with nets or snares. Firearms may be used on some properties; details are listed on each permit. Pythons may be euthanized onsite by approved, humane means, transported to a veterinary facility for euthanization, or turned in live. All pythons (alive or dead) must be turned in to one of the approved drop off sites.
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What does the FWC hope to gain from instituting this program?
When permit holders capture a Burmese python they must report the GPS location and take a digital picture of the carcass. Permit holders must also report all trips taken to capture pythons, regardless if any snakes were caught. Captured pythons are taken to the University of Florida Research and Education Center, where the gut contents will be analyzed. FWC will use the data collected to help control and stop the spread of Burmese pythons in Florida.
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Where can I find more information about the Burmese python?
- Visit MyFWC.com/Nonnatives for more information about this nonnative species.
- For more information about the Burmese Python Permit Program, send an e-mail to Pythons@MyFWC.com.
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