Note to readers: The Naples Daily News and News-Press, in partnership with the Southwest Florida Conservancy, will publish a series of Q&As about Burmese pythons throughout 2024. Ian Bartoszek, the conservation group's environmental science coordinator, said:, are our go-to experts to help you better understand these giant beasts.
Q. Can I keep a Burmese python as a pet in Florida?
Bartoshkek: Currently, keeping Burmese pythons as pets is prohibited in Florida.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's website on February 25, 2021, the FWC has added 16 high-risk exotic reptiles to Florida's prohibited list. The Burmese python is also on the list.
Ownership of these species by qualified parties is currently limited to research, educational exhibition, control or eradication purposes, and to qualified commercial sales (green iguanas and tegus only) and pet owners (green iguanas and tegus only) It has been.
Individuals or businesses with newly listed reptiles prohibited for commercial sale must: JWe plan to liquidate our Florida inventory on July 28, 2021.
Do you have a Python question for Ian?
Have questions about pythons in Southwest Florida? Email mbickel@gannett.com I'll put your questions to Ian Bartoszek.
Here are links for more information about Python:
Q&A: When is a Burmese python considered an adult?
Q&A: Does cold weather affect pythons?
Q&A: Get to know the Burmese python: Q&A to help you better understand the invasive Florida snake
Heading north?:Florida's exotic python: How far north can this snake crawl?
Behind the scenes:Florida's exotic python: How far north can this snake crawl?
Famous Hunter: 'My office is the Everglades': Florida woman quit her real estate job to hunt Burmese pythons
