Officials in Florida made a surprising discovery swimming a mile offshore in Biscayne National Park this week: an 11-foot Burmese python.
Biscayne National Park, which is 95 percent water, is located just south of Miami and about 18 miles east of Everglades National Park, where the invasive species is prevalent.
Park biologists netted the python so it could be safely captured and removed from the park.
“While these snakes are relatively uncommon here in Biscayne, we do remain vigilant so we can respond and remove this invasive species when we see them,” the park wrote on Facebook.
Pythons were discovered in the Everglades two decades ago and have established a population estimated to be around 100,000. The creatures are causing serious damage to the ecosystem of the Everglades as they feed on native wildlife like deer, bobcats, alligators, possum and rabbits.
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The Florida Wildlife Commission and South Florida Water Management District instituted an eradication program that rewards python hunters financially for catching the invasive species. On June 25, the program celebrated the 500th python removed from the Everglades.
Officials urge that all sightings of pythons be reported.
Photos courtesy of Biscayne National Park.
