Did you know the South Florida Water Management District teams up with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to take aggressive action to protect the Everglades and eliminate invasive Burmese pythons? SFWMD's Python Elimination Program incentivizes skilled removal agents to humanely euthanize destructive Burmese pythons in America's Everglades. Pythons are one of the worst invasive species in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem, and apex predator like pythons will eat everything from birds to alligators.
Check out some python stats since the inception of the program:
- 8,818 pythons have been removed from the Everglades thanks to our partnership with FWC.
- Longest python ever eliminated: 18 feet, 9 inches by agents Ryan Ausburn and Kevin Pavlidis.
- Length of Pythons Eliminated: Over 31,000 ft.
- Weight of Pythons Eliminated: Over 41,000 lbs.
- Florida Counties where Python Removal Agents Work: Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward, Collier, Hendry, Lee, and Palm Beach counties.
Recently, the South Florida Water Management District teamed up with FWC and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to host the Operation Outdoor Freedom Python Removal Event for wounded veterans. This special event in honor of those who have served in our Armed Forces, provided veterans with an enriching outdoors experience and the opportunity to learn about current efforts to combat invasive pythons alongside licensed contractors. Learn more about the District's Python Elimination Program and how you can help.