Heroic Act: Man Films Himself Saving An Alligator From A Python’s Deadly Coils

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Invasive species can cause all sorts of issues for native inhabitants of an ecosystem. This is being played out in Florida right now where Burmese pythons are actively multiplying. In the clip below, we get to see a trapping and wildlife rescue expert playing his part in protecting a native species. He literally uncoils a python from around an alligator!

How Have Pythons Impacted The Ecosystem In Florida?

No one knows exactly how many Burmese pythons are now living in the Everglades but the United States Geological Survey estimates that it is tens of thousands! There is a breeding population in South Florida and they are competing with native species for prey. This is impacting the ecosystem in terms of reductions in mammal, bird, and reptile species.

The most notable impact is in the remote southernmost regions of the Everglades National Park. This is where the pythons were first established. Experts estimate that the raccoon population has dropped by over 99 percent! Opossum numbers have dropped by 98.9 percent and bobcats have reduced by 87.5 percent. What is even more worrying is that the populations of marsh rabbits, cottontail rabbits, and foxes have effectively disappeared. Furthermore, the remains of these animals are often found in the stomachs of Burmese Pythons that are removed from the Everglades National Park. We know that raccoons and opossums often forage for food near the water’s edge and this is where the pythons also like to hang out.

Controlling Pythons In The Everglades

Most experts agree that it is extremely difficult to control an invasive species once it has established populations as large and as widespread as the Burmese python in Florida. This is why prevention is so important.

With the opportunities for prevention now passed, all the authorities in Florida can do is try to control the numbers and prevent further spread. To this end, there is an annual Florida Python Challenge where participants remove as many pythons as possible! However, it only covers specific sites, participants must be registered and they must undergo training to participate. The pythons should be humanely killed on site and the carcasses deposited at an official check station. It is hoped that initiatives like this will help to protect the local ecosystems.