The Python Permit Program is a permit program that allows Floridians to capture Burmese pythons and other conditional reptiles on four Wildlife Management Areas (Everglades and Francis S. Taylor WMA, Holey Land WMA, Rotenberger WMA and Southern Glades WEA) 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.
Who is eligible to participate in the program?
Applicants must have a digital camera and a GPS unit. If applicants plan to transport live pythons to an AVMA facility for euthanasia or to an approved research facility, then a valid conditional species permit is required. 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?
No. During established hunting seasons, licensed hunters can remove pythons and other conditional snakes and lizards from Everglades and Francis S. Taylor WMA, Rotenberger WMA and Holey Land WMA. To participate in removing pythons during established hunting seasons, a hunting license and wildlife management area permit are required by state rule and statute.
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 Indian python, reticulated python, African rock python (both northern and southern), amethystine python, scrub python, green anaconda and Nile monitor lizard.
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Where can the permit holders search for the Burmese python?
Authorized locations to search for and remove pythons are Everglades and Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area, Holey Land WMA, Rotenberger WMA and Southern Glades Wildlife and Environmental Area.
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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), thus providing a type of "bounty." The FWC will not pay the permit holders for the pythons.
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What are the requirements for capture?
Firearms and traps may not be used. The snakes can be captured by hand, with nets or snares. Pythons may be euthanized onsite by approved means, deposited at a location for euthanizing by a veterinarian, or transported to an approved facility to be used in research.
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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 and stomach contents. FWC will study the data collected from the permit holders on the size, stomach contents and location of all collected Burmese pythons. The FWC hopes the information collected will help 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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