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Everglades raccoon

Everglades raccoon

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I just found out today that the Burmese Pythons are devastating the small mammals of the Everglades.  More than 98% of them are gone.  Seems this little guy may become a rarity in the future.  He's smaller than most US raccoons because it's more beneficial to shed heat if you're smaller.

Twitter: @DrFumblefinger

"We do not take a trip, a trip takes us".  John Steinbeck, from Travels with Charlie

The snake is doing the job that he was designed to do.  Unfortunately, he is doing so far from his native habitat and finds the native south Florida species easy prey. 

 

This python is in the park as the result of accidental or intentional release.   Yes, people take their hungry, unwanted pets to the park.  The National Park Service is working hard to try to manage the  situation. http://www.nps.gov/ever/naturescience/burmesepythonsintro.htm

 

Last edited by TravelandNature

Invasive species cause havoc not just with cute native species, but also agriculture, people's health and livelihoods. The Park Service has a number of interesting management programs, including a parntership with Florida Fish and Wildlife. 

 

Fish and Wildlife has a Pet Amnesty Program so that people can rehome unwanted exotic pets, rather than thoughtlessly placing them in the wild. 

 

The exotic animals are offered to adopters, who are given instructions on proper care.

Fish and Wildlife offers lots of tips on how to own an exotic pet responsibly.

 

The fun part is that the pet adoption events are FREE.  So, if you fancy seeing Pete the Python or Burt the Boa up close and personal, here is your chance. 

 

Last edited by TravelandNature

Those are all good resources, TravelandNature, and I certainly believe in responsible pet ownership.  Lord knows we own enough pets and my wife just rushed the dog to the vet because he tore off his toenail (and was bleeding badly, poor boy   )

 

Make sure you have a deep wallet or access to a lot of meat if you adopt a python.  The python consumes 25 lbs of meat per year for each of its 225 lb adult size.  Steaks and live catch preferred.

Twitter: @DrFumblefinger

"We do not take a trip, a trip takes us".  John Steinbeck, from Travels with Charlie

Hope that puppy is well on the mend.


Really ?  Pete the Python can really put it away.  I have read cases in which (late) owners "forgot" to feed their pet pythons and, well, Pete does not like going hungry...

 

Enjoying your Gumbo on the Go photos from The Everglades very much.  It is hard to capture in a pic what is so very special there - the space, the light, the plain "nothingness" that we so sorely need to experience.  Have you had the chance to see any stars ?  The brighter planets are putting on a very good show just now.

 

Last edited by TravelandNature
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