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Timeline of Control

History of Florida Burmese Python Control

Mid to Late 1900’s

  • Burmese pythons begin establishing in south Florida
  • In 1979 the first observation of a Burmese python in the wild in south Florida was recorded in Everglades National Park

2006

2007

2008

  • Multi-stakeholder Python Action Workshops
  • Burmese Pythons regulated as a Reptile of Concern
    • FWC created Reptiles of Concern designation

2009

  • Multi-stakeholder Python Action Workshops
  • Hunters allowed to remove pythons on four Wildlife Management Areas 

2010

  • Burmese Pythons regulated as a Conditional species in Florida
    •  As a Conditional species, Burmese pythons could no longer be acquired as personal pets along with other parameters

2012

2013

2014

  • Structured Decision-Making Workshop

2017

2019

  • First Florida Python Control Plan Drafting Meeting

2020

  • Updated FWC Executive Order 20-17 allows take of nonnative reptiles on 25 Commission-managed lands

2021

  • Burmese Pythons regulated as a Prohibited species in Florida
    • As a Prohibited species, Burmese pythons could no longer be breed for commercial sale and could not be acquired as personal pets along with other parameters
  • Finalize and distribute the first Florida Python Control Plan
  • First Florida Python Control Plan Workgroup Meeting

2022

  • North American Invasive Species Management Association Conference Python Panel

2023