The FWC Will Teach You How To Catch Pythons For Free
Have you ever wondered what it was like to hit the streets at night in South Florida to go Python hunting? We’ve all seen those videos online of the ThePythonCowboy…
Python slithering in the water.
Getty Royalty FreeHave you ever wondered what it was like to hit the streets at night in South Florida to go Python hunting? We’ve all seen those videos online of the ThePythonCowboy doing his thing down in South Florida and now, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) will be hosting classes on how to catch pythons through ‘Python Patrol’.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, or FWC for short, is introducing the new Python Patrol training program. But, what exactly is the Python Patrol Training Program?
The FWC says, “Python Patrol is a no-cost training program that aims to create a network of individuals throughout south Florida who know how to identify Burmese pythons, and report sightings, as well as search for, safely capture and humanely kill these invasive constrictors.”
What Will You Learn In The ‘Python Patrol’ Classes From The FWC?
Most importantly, these trainings are open to anyone in the public. You do not need any snake-handling experience before taking the class.
The ‘Python Patrol’ classes are going to be virtual PowerPoint presentations given by an FWC biologist. They will demonstrate “search and capture techniques” that are needed to successfully catch a python. There will be a live Q&A section with the attendees.
In the ‘Python Patrol’ virtual training, attendees will learn:
- Real-Time audience Q & A
- Information on Burmese pythons in Florida
- Species Identification
- How to search for pythons
- Safe capture techniques
- How to humanely kill a python
- Reporting pythons to the FWC
- Live instruction on techniques from a biologist
When Will The 'Python Patrol' Classes Take Place?
The FWC-hosted Virtual Python Patrol classes are going to take place on every third Thursday of each month. Spaces are unlimited so there is no need to register beforehand.
The first Python Patrol virtual class is on August 22nd, 2024. It will run from 7-8pm EST. The second class is September 19, 2024 from 7-8pm EST. And, the third class is taking place on October 17, 2024 from 7-8pm EST.
Visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife's website to join in on the virtual Python Patrol classes.
There are a lot of dangerous animals in Florida. But if you ever wondered what the most dangerous are? This list was put together by A-Z Animals. Between 1999 and 2019 only 247 people in Florida died as a result of an animal attack. Florida ranks as the third deadliest state in the United States for animal attacks. Texas is number one with 520 and California is number two with 299. Those findings come from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
So, what is the first animal that you think of when you think dangerous in Florida? You probably think of the Alligator, but that isn’t the number one overall dangerous animal in Florida. The Great White Shark is the most dangerous animal in Florida. While not on the land in Florida Great White Sharks swim the waters around the state of Florida. Back in 2020 Florida had 16 shark bites on record. Second was Hawaii with only five.
The Most Dangerous Animals Not In The Top 5
The dangerous animals in Florida that didn’t make the top five are some that you may have thought could’ve been higher. Firstly, number six on the list is the Black Widow Spider followed by the Florida Panther. The Florida Panther is the state animal. It was chosen in 1982 by a vote of students throughout the state. Following the Florida Panther on the list is the Wild Boar. You can find the Wild Boar in all 67 counties of Florida. Their estimated population is over half a million.
Next is the Timber Rattlesnake. It is also known as the canebreak rattlesnake and it is a species of pit viper. The Timber Rattlesnake has a Chevron pattern and a stripe running down its body. Finally, coming in number 10 on the list is the American Crocodile. They are found along the coast of Florida as north as the Hillsborough/Pasco County border on the west side of Florida.
Below, you can find the top five most dangerous animals in Florida.
Great White Shark
Yes, Great White Sharks are found in the waters around Florida. A almost 1,200 pound shark that was almost 13 feet in length was tracked back in March of this year.
Bull Shark
#1 and #2 on the list are sharks. They are in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. They grow to about 11 feet and can live about 24 years.
Alligator
Alligators live in all 67 counties in Florida. You can find alligators in any body of water including lakes, ponds, rivers, marshes, swamps and man-made canals. We've seen multiple reports this year of gator attacks, even some fatal ones.
Eastern Dimondback Rattlesnake
They are found in pine flatwoods, longleaf pine and turkey oak hammocks, sand pine scrub areas, and coastal barrier islands. Yes it is venomous.
Cottonmouth Snake
It is venomous and can be found throughout Florida. It is called a cottonmouth because of the white color of the inside of its mouth.
