While concerns exist about giant snakes in Florida, anacondas are not established as a breeding population, with only individual sightings confirmed. However, Florida faces a significant ecological challenge from other large invasive constrictors, particularly the Burmese python. This species has established a thriving population in the state’s delicate ecosystems, posing a substantial threat to native wildlife and habitats.
Anacondas and Pythons The Key Differences
Green anacondas and Burmese pythons are both large constrictors, but possess distinct characteristics and native ranges. Green anacondas, native to the swamps and slow-moving waters of South America, are considered the heaviest snakes globally. Females can reach over 500 pounds and 30 feet in length, though typical mature specimens are 15 to 17 feet long and weigh 66 to 176 pounds. Their coloration is olive-green with black blotches and distinctive orange-yellow stripes on the head.
In contrast, Burmese pythons originate from Southeast Asia, inhabiting diverse environments such as grasslands, marshes, and woodlands. They are longer than anacondas, with adult females reaching 18 to 20 feet and sometimes up to 23 feet, but are lighter, weighing around 200 pounds. Their appearance features a tan background with dark, puzzle-piece-like blotches along their bodies.
Florida’s Actual Invasive Giant Snakes
Burmese pythons are a well-established invasive species in South Florida, primarily due to the exotic pet trade and accidental releases. Many were imported as pets and later released when they became too large or difficult to manage. Hurricane Andrew in 1992 also contributed to their spread by destroying a python breeding facility, releasing numerous snakes into the Everglades.
First sighted in the 1930s, Burmese pythons were recognized as a reproducing population in Everglades National Park by 2000. Their numbers have since increased substantially across Miami-Dade, Monroe, and Collier counties. Population estimates in the Everglades range from tens of thousands to 300,000 individuals. These snakes are now apex predators in the Everglades, with no natural predators.
The ecological impact of Burmese pythons on Florida’s native wildlife is profound. They prey on a wide variety of native species, including mammals like raccoons, opossums, bobcats, rabbits, and deer, as well as birds and alligators. Studies document severe declines in mammal populations within Everglades National Park, with raccoons decreasing by 99.3%, opossums by 98.9%, and bobcats by 87.5% since 1997 in areas where pythons are established.
Controlling Invasive Snake Populations
Managing Florida’s invasive Burmese python population involves various strategies and faces considerable challenges. Initiatives like the Python Elimination Program (PEP) and the Python Action Team-Removing Invasive Constrictors (PATRIC) employ qualified individuals to locate and humanely remove these snakes from public lands. Over 23,500 pythons have been removed by FWC PATRIC and SFWMD PEP contractors since 2017. Public involvement is also encouraged through events like the Florida Python Challenge.
Controlling the python population remains a complex and long-term endeavor. Their cryptic nature allows them to blend seamlessly into the dense Everglades vegetation, making them difficult to detect and capture. Their rapid reproductive rate and the vast, often inaccessible terrain of the Everglades also present logistical difficulties for removal teams. Complete eradication is highly unlikely.