How to Trap Pythons for the State of Florida

Zoos are licensed to keep pythons; most citizens in 2011 aren't.

In 2009, Florida wildlife officials issued the first 10 permits to experienced hunters who they hoped would trap and euthanize as many invasive reptiles like the Burmese python as they could find on state-controlled land throughout the southern Everglades region. A high-profile killing of a 2-year-old girl in her crib by a pet python coincided with the decision, which also included a ban on future acquisition of the animals as pets unless certain conditions were met. You'll have to get a license if you want to help Florida catch these animals, which researchers believe have populated the region due to accidental or purposeful release.

Instructions

1. Make sure you qualify to receive a license from Florida's Python Permit Program. You must be 18 or older and a Florida resident. You also must own a digital camera and GPS device; provide proof of your experience capturing wild snakes, especially the larger variety including constrictors; and exhibit knowledge of the proper means to humanely kill wild snakes. You must already be a licensed hunter with a wildlife management area permit.

2. Click on the link in the Resources section and print out the special permit application for hunting non-native species. Fill out the form, including detailed answers to questions about how you would trap and euthanize any pythons you catch.

3. Send the completed and signed application by fax or mail according to the instructions at the bottom of the application.

4. Wait for your permit to arrive in the mail. A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission representative may have additional questions for you to answer before granting your request.

5. Confine your trapping expeditions to the following state-controlled WMAs: Holey Land, Southern Glades; Rotenberger; and Everglades/Francis Taylor.

6. Conduct hunting and trapping operations at each WMA, at least twice during the permitting period -- a condition of the license.

7. Euthanize any non-native reptiles discovered in your expedition, including their eggs, in a humane way outlined in the materials that came with your license. No firearms can be used to euthanize a python.

8. Follow Florida's reporting requirements for hunting pythons: photograph and notate the GPS location for every snake euthanized; document the stomach remains of each snake; report all captures within 36 hours. Every

9. Contact the FFWCC authorities at the dispatch office for the particular WMA you're visiting, each time you visit a site. Give the ranger or office attendant the number of people in your party, approximate location, your vehicle description, how long you plan to stay and a cell phone on which you can be reached.

References

• "USA Today": Florida Authorizes Python Hunt
• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: Python Permit Program Facts

Resources

• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: Non-Native Reptile Hunting Permit