Scientific Discoveries in Combatting Burmese Pythons

Scientists are battling Burmese pythons that have invaded the Everglades and are eating their way through Florida's wildlife. The snakes have caused a rearrangement and simplification of the mammal community, which has begun to alter other ecosystem processes. The snakes are extremely cryptic and secretive, and they are inherently difficult to find, making developing control tools tough. The South Florida Water Management District runs an annual python hunt, but no one removal method looks more promising than others. Genetic biocontrol tools represent exciting possibilities that are actively being explored.