Florida Python Challenge returns
Digest more
In Florida, the Burmese python has established itself as “a slithering menace that is wiping out species”, Galante says.
A Burmese python population has emerged in Southwest Florida, raising fresh concerns about the invasive predator's spread.
Brandon Welty, a python researcher with Croc Docs, holds up an antenna and receiver to track where a male python during breeding season on March 11, 2026 in the interior of the northern Everglades. Ashley Miznazi amiznazi@miamiherald.com
Florida researchers fitted GPS-collared opossums to track Burmese pythons from the inside — and the hidden biology of this tiny marsupial makes it the perfect secret weapon.
The Cool Down on MSN
Florida scientists confirm Burmese pythons can swallow full-grown deer, alligators whole
Still, scientists no longer consider complete eradication realistic.
Researchers in Florida are using an unexpected tool to help fight invasive Burmese pythons in the Everglades: opossums. Because opossums are one of the snakes' favorite prey, scientists discovered they could track pythons by fitting opossums with GPS ...
Florida's annual effort to tackle one of the world's most notorious invasive species is returning this July, but wildlife officials are making one thing clear: the event is not expected to eradicate Burmese pythons from the Everglades.
