Which snake became an invasive predator in Florida’s Everglades?

The Burmese python became an invasive predator in Florida’s Everglades. The species is native to South and Southeast Asia, but established populations in southern Florida grew after released or escaped captive snakes reproduced.

Burmese pythons are large constrictors capable of eating birds, mammals and reptiles. In the Everglades, they have been linked to severe declines in several native mammal populations, including rabbits, raccoons and opossums. Their effects are especially serious because the ecosystem evolved without such a large, abundant predator.

The Florida population is not the result of the species naturally expanding from Asia. It arose through the exotic pet trade and subsequent establishment in the wild. Hurricanes and accidental releases have also contributed to concerns about non-native reptiles.

Florida agencies use trapping, public reporting, organised removals and specially trained detector dogs as part of ongoing python-control efforts.