big snakes in the everglades are posing a big problem. with no natural predators pythons not only compete with native panthers and alligators for food, but they also prey on endangered species like storks and wood rats.
pythons are an invasive species that are often dumped by pet owners in the national park once they grow too big. others are escapees from nearby reptile farms where breeders nationwide have raised as many as 1 million of these giant snakes since 1980. an equal number have been imported from overseas.
to help get rid of big snakes the florida fish and wildlife preservation commission is letting sportsmen hunt pythons on 700,000 acres of state land next to the everglades national park.