Burmese Python Question

[Steve in Vermont]

I have watched several shows on TV recently where people from various agencies are called upon to deal with Burmese Pythons. In every instance they end up in a wrestling match with the critters. In one case a woman (alone) was taking on an 8 footer. She was lucky to escape uninjured but it could have easily gone the other way. Can anyone explain why, instead of risking life and limb to subdue these creatures, they don't simply use a .22 to end the problem? Perhaps, off camera, they do this but on camera it's for the drama. I just don't know. They capture so many that they must be putting them down anyway. These snakes can't be released and there aren't enough zoos to house them. Perhaps some of the folks from Florida can explain this to a northerner who can't make sense of it.

 

[jaykellogg]

I agree there isn't much demand for the big snakes (alive). If there was, the owners wouldn't just release them. They can be used for research. You can get a license to hunt (or trap) them. If you do, you are permitted to sell the hide and meat. (I hear the meat has high levels of Mercury). It is messy to shoot a snake and that is probably why they don't show it on television.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Me two! They need to kill every one of those snakes each and every time they find one. No point in saving it for a good home. That just allows the birth of more unwanted snakes and some of them escape or are released. When you see it, put it down! If I am around, give me a shout. I will put it down.

 

[Rule3]

What shows did you see this happening? It's hard to say without knowing what context.


http://smith-wessonforum.com/lounge/263553-big-snake-story.html

 

[Sebago Son]

"Momma make gumbo.... "

 

[Hillbilly77]

Can anyone explain why, instead of risking life and limb to subdue these creatures, they don't simply use a .22 to end the problem?

...or a .410 shotshell. I bet that'd be a lot of fun.

 

[s&wchad]

Can anyone explain why... they don't simply use a .22 to end the problem?

I'm not a fan of snakes, especially giant non-native constrictors that wreak havoc on the local wildlife and can swallow critters the size of alligators and deer. Even so, I would never shoot a Burmese python with a .22.







I'd use a 12ga with #4 buck.

 

[681ismyfavorite]

alligators were hunted to the brink of extinction, why is it so hard for people in florida to do the same to pythons which are not native species, not protected, have been classified as nuicenses?

cruise around the swamp, see a python and 12ga it, no need for pick up, let it be turtle or gator food....go on to the next one.

 

[mc5aw]

Can anyone explain why, instead of risking life and limb to subdue these creatures, they don't simply use a .22 to end the problem?

That's an easy one to answer, especially for regular forum members ... .22 is a BEAR round, not a BURMESE round.

The only way to take out a Burmese is to use a Colt Python.

 

[BAM-BAM]

In first........flame on....LOL

I think a Colt "Diamondback" in .38+P would be enough!!!!!!

 

[BearBio]

Another factor is you have to know how to handle big snakes. Many people just grab the head and the snake reacts by pulling back. You need to support the first third or so of the snake. Also, constrictors like to hold onto something with their tail.

I grabbed the head of a 16' retic python and we wrestled like mad (make sure you don't go down) and ended up with some bruised ribs. Had my boss show me how and she was real passive the second time around.

 

[raisedin99]

You guys have the method of dispatching these critters all wrong, call upon my wife who will, with hoe in hand, make the snake look look like a old fashioned washboard in less time than it takes to type this message.

Watching her take on a snake with her hoe is like watching a well oiled machine...

terry

 

[Stu Honea]

The recent capture of the record 17 foot 7 inch mama Burmese Pyton in Florida was interesting. The story stated that the snake was about a foot wide and was carrying 87 eggs. They seem to thrive well in the glades and this one had feathers in it's stomach at the post mortem.
They have been studying what these giant reptiles eat and I believe the conclusion was "just about everything."
They,of course, originally were appparently turned loose by owners and have bred well and have become a big problem in many areas in Florida.
Some kind of population control is certainly in order at this point,but even though they are not native to this area,I'm sure they serve a purpose with population control of other critters. I don't think they should be elminated all together,but wildlife management should certainly do something to keep the numbers down. Killing this one was a step in the right direction due to it's size and the fact that it was ready to bear 87 OFFSPRING!
With a snake this size a normal centerfire handgun round in the head would not seem to pose a problem.

 

[crofoot629]

alligators were hunted to the brink of extinction, why is it so hard for people in florida to do the same to pythons which are not native species, not protected, have been classified as nuicenses?

cruise around the swamp, see a python and 12ga it, no need for pick up, let it be turtle or gator food....go on to the next one.

I’ve wondered that too.

And have guessed there is no hunting at all in the Everglades National Park.
Um……..where most of the snakes are.

Emory

 

[Texas Star]

I think I read that it's against the law to shoot pythons in FL. Anyone know?

i wrote an article for the college newspaper once on a guy who owned a pet shop here. He'd been bitten on a hand by either a Green Tree Python or an Emerald Tree Boa; I forget which. The snake was about six feet.

His wound was healing, but looked pretty nasty. They aren't venomous, but the big, recurved teeth hurt and you can get an infection, as with any animal bite. A big python or anaconda can deliver a heck of a bad bite.

 

[Doug M.]

I'd be using a pretty serious caliber myself; I like the idea of a 12 gauge with buckshot, myself.

 

[mountaingun629]

Seems I read that Florida pays some game control types to hunt these things, but the general populace can't.
If true, that is insane. There should be a 24/7/365 open season on them without limits or restrictions.

If someone here knows the facts on this, please post up!

Myron

 

[Alpo]

Python Permit Program

Apparently you must be a Florida resident, have experience in handling snakes, have a digital camera and a GPS unit. You have to document what you caught, where you caught it, take pictures of the snake, take pictures of and document the stomach contents of the snake, and humanely euthanize it.

Sounds like a lot of nonsense. Should treat it like a Norway rat. Invasive species, kill on sight, no license or other idiocy required.

 

[Art Doc]

I guess I am the only one in the world who isn't afraid of snakes. I had a pet python that got to 18 feet and even at that size such a snake poses no threat to a human over about 25 pounds in weight. A very small child might be killed by a big snake but certainly NOT an adult. The bite of a big constrictor is about like the bite of a house cat (and yes, I know this from experience) and the odds on being bitten are tiny to say the least. They only bite something they intend to eat (or the hand holding the food if he gets too excited).

Pythons and the such have zero interest in harming humans. We are not a food source. It's a real shame that some irresponsible folks turn them loose to become an invasive species, but all this paranoia about pythons killing people is simply ridiculous.

 

[Rule3]

alligators were hunted to the brink of extinction, why is it so hard for people in florida to do the same to pythons which are not native species, not protected, have been classified as nuicenses?

cruise around the swamp, see a python and 12ga it, no need for pick up, let it be turtle or gator food....go on to the next one.

A few main reasons. There is no market for the meat or skins. They are much much harder to find and kill than a gator. Not really as easy as cruise around and see one, You are not allowed to shoot them.

So if there is not a profit potential folks will not hunt them. Some might kill them just for grins but that will not control them.

Clubbing baby fur seals is much easier