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Cold Snap Threatens Florida Pythons
29 Jan
Summary
- Burmese pythons are non-venomous constrictors native to Southeast Asia.
- Invasive pythons have established in over a thousand square miles of South Florida.
- Freezing temperatures can be lethal to pythons, though some show cold tolerance.
Arctic air is forecast to bring frigid temperatures to Florida, raising questions about the survival of invasive Burmese pythons. Originally from Southeast Asia, these large snakes were introduced to South Florida through the pet trade and have since established themselves across more than a thousand square miles, including the Everglades.
Burmese pythons are non-venomous constrictors that prey on a wide range of native species, contributing to the decline of local wildlife. Adult pythons typically range from 10 to 16 feet, with some recorded specimens exceeding 19 feet and weighing over 200 pounds.
While freezing temperatures can be lethal to these subtropical reptiles, observations indicate they may seek refuge in burrows. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests that evolutionary changes could be enhancing their cold tolerance, potentially enabling them to survive in regions farther north than their current established range south of Lake Okeechobee.
