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How many pythons...
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by FSB on January 17, 2010
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...have YOU seen in Florida?
I am inspired by Joe Switalski, who recently posted an article elsewhere on the web re. African rock pythons being found outside of Miami. Apparently some Fish and Wildlife officials went on a very short herping trip and turned up, like, five, in short order. Coming at this time, the story smacks of a set-up. Joe proposed leading his own expedition of experienced field herpers, along with a media person or two, into the `glades to see just how many pythons they turn up. It occurs to me that many members/users of this site frequently herp in Florida... so let's hear about it. In all of our diligent combing of the Florida scrubs and wetlands, how many of us have actually come across any pythons? The last time I was able to go down there was in 2006, and I stayed in the northern half of the state, but I covered a lot of ground and saw nothing but native species [and some amazingly huge golden silk spiders that looked almost like crabs]. Anyway, just wondering if we could get a roll call from Florida herpers who actually spend a lot of time combing the bushes down there as to this supposed "explosion" of pythons.
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RE: How many pythons...
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by FSB on January 17, 2010
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PS - the article Joe posted also hinted at fears that the African rocks might hybridize with the burms, creating some sort of horrific, monster-movie "super-snake." Just wondering - does anyone have any knowledge of a successful P. sebae or natalensis cross with m. bivitattus? I sure don't.
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RE: How many pythons...
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by Cro on January 17, 2010
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Fred, I agree with you 100% !
When I first read in that news article that they searched a specific "targeted" area, and amazingly found 5 African Rock Pythons in a short period of time, my first thought was that the snakes must have been planted right before those folks got there.
If you take a bag full of rock pythons, and dump them out in a wooded area, they will quickly crawl to cover and and hide, as they will be scared of the new area. Within a very short time, you will not be able to find them at all. Even if the snakes are right out of captivity, they will still do the same thing.
The folks in Florida who so badly want to pass the python ban would not hesitate to do something like that.
What is even worse, is that it is becoming very clear that the USFWS folks down there are just as sleazy as the political folks, and animal rights folks, and are willing to go along with the deception.
Hopefully, this will backfire on them, and they will get caught in their lies, cheating, and fake data, just as Al Gore was and his Global Warming non-sense.
Best Regards
John Z
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RE: How many pythons...
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by Rob_Carmichael on January 17, 2010
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I have a friend who is one of the "golden oldies" of field herping; a guy who knows many of the best historical sites of anyone I have ever known in most of the continental U.S. He spend a lot of time in the Everglades and only found one burmese python and he was surprised to find that one. There's no doubt this is a witch hunt on the exotic community and as you guys mentioned, my gut feeling is that this set up will be uncovered.
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RE: How many pythons...
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by Adamanteus70 on January 17, 2010
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I found it very odd that in a two or three day hunt, in a area that was outside of the Everglades Park there were five African Rock pythons turned up and no Burmese pythons.
The largest of the snakes in pictures I saw was a 14'+ 150-200 lb Rock python. The picture shows a enormous girth snake that looks like a well fed captive raised animal. I never see pictures of Rocks in the wild that look this good, ever. It almost looked bloated it was so thick, yet it was a picture of the first capture of it.
Why was the hunt taking place outside the Park for one, and two, if Burmese are that wide spread and rapidly expanding their range, why were there no Burms turned up in this search? A Boa consrictor was also discovered and it looks like Boa c. imperator to me, not a animal from the Deering local.
If Rock pythons are now breeding in Florida, why have there been no reports of finding them breeding already with all the searching being done?
As far as interbreeding of the two snakes, I know there have been breedings in captivity, but very few. Mainly Retics crossed with Burmese to make the "Borneo Bat eaters".
Paul
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RE: How many pythons...
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by Adamanteus70 on January 17, 2010
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I can email these pics to those interested, but I did not take them so I don't feel right posting them here...
Paul
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RE: How many pythons...
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by Cro on January 17, 2010
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Turn about is fair play.
What we need to do is infiltrate the HSUSA and PETA with a undercover agent who will record what they are doing, like planting snakes.
And, we need to connect those outfits with the USFWS, and Senator Nelson.
Any good hackers out there ?
Best Regards
John Z
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RE: How many pythons...
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by FLVenom911 on January 17, 2010
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In all the years I've herped down here I only came up with one, and that specimen was about 30 miles or so north of Everglades National Park. The rumor here in S. FL is these African Rock Pythons are just locally found in a small area area off Krome Ave. Apparently, a keeper use to live in the area of Krome Ave and Tamiami Trail and kept a number of ROC's without a license. He then proceeded to let his animals go (including a number of African Rock Pythons) before he moved out of the area. Again folks, this is only the rumor that I've heard from multiple sources. If these animals are so common, then why haven't more people found them? It seems only the scientists studying them are finding the snakes in great numbers. Look at the story of the Green Anaconda being found in Kissimmee, FL alive and well after freezing temperatures? The snake looked extremely well fed and in great shape. I say we pick a weekend to gear up and get some members of the media out and go python hunting. I do feel they'll leave disappointed.
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RE: How many pythons...
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by Cro on January 17, 2010
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Joe, if the AR folks are dumping snakes, those snakes have to be coming from somewhere.
Not many pet shops sell large constrictors, so, that would limit the snakes to known breeders & reptile shows, most likely within the state of Florida.
Would be very interesting to survey the importers, breeders, and vendors, to see if they have resently sold snakes matching the description of the "found" snakes.
Best Regards
John Z
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RE: How many pythons...
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by pictigaster1 on January 17, 2010
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It is even easyer to pick up these snakes at shows and on the internet sent to another state .Then driven to florida and film the set up.People are always selling 10 to 15 foot burms for cheap prices.John Z has the idea of dna testing these snakes.Also it would be neat to keep a few and breed them to see how many albinos are born.Burm hets are a dime a dozen and easaly had.The burms found seem to be normal non morph animals.Or are they.Do I think I smell a set up you bet.The anaconda was blamed for killing dozens of water fowl yea right,at least start with some facts.How many ducks and geese could a 12 foot anaconda eat 4 mabie 5 in a year in the wild.Nutria are a more likely food option for them I would think.The article says recently dis appeared water fowl.The problem is the public sees movies like anaconda snakes on a plane.they think the threat is as real as water.Joe I wish I could come and hunt with you on this adventure .Make sure you take some good collectors you are right.Lets hope the green mamba died in this freeze as well..
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