The Hunt for Florida’s Most Destructive Invasive Species

Burmese pythons are native to Southeast Asia and were introduced into Southern Florida ecosystems when they got too big for irresponsible pet owners and following the destruction of pet stores and breeding facilities in hurricanes. After decades of unchecked population growth, there have been significant losses of native rodents, birds, deer, coyotes, and anything else these massive snakes get ahold of. The South Florida Water Management District started the Python Elimination Program in 2017 to pay licensed hunters for each python caught. The program has since removed over 1000 pythons from the Everglades. Back in 2019, we joined Donna Kalil, a python elimination specialist, on two of her hunts. Donna herself has removed over 100 pythons, ranging from 3-15ft in length. More information: Donna Kalil: https://donnakalil.com/ Python Elimination Program: https://www.sfwmd.gov/our-work/python-program Local Motives showcases local perspectives on the challenges and solutions associated with climate change. It is the production of two friends, Nate Murray and Cody Pfister, traveling across the 50 states seeking to establish an authentic and relatable stream of bottom-up communication. Local Motives Series original score composed and produced by William Lindsay. Follow us Instagram @localmotives.series: ►http://instagram.com/localmotives.series Facebook ►https://www.facebook.com/localMotives.series/ Twitter @localmotives_us: ►https://twitter.com/localmotives_us Website ►https://www.localmotives.us Youtube ►https://www.youtube.com/c/LocalMotives