Hunting pythons in Florida
The state of Florida has finally allowed open season on pythons. In case you don’t know, the large snake species in invading the state from the south up. Originating as escaped or freed pets in South Florida, the snake has populated the everglades and is expanding north into areas of Central Florida. The python threatens natural Florida wildlife and is even giving the alligator a run for it’s money as top predator. In an effort to eliminate the problem reptile, the state has issued permits to snake experts to kill the pythons using only blunt or sharp objects (no guns or traps can be used). Here in lies the problem. Does anyone else see the flaw in this logic? Can the government get nothing right?
- You need a permit to kill a python? This somehow indicates that pythons are a protected species. If you are trying to eradicate them as a foreign invading pest, wouldn’t it be better to lift all bans on the hunting of them?
- You need to be an expert to get a permit? Why? The goal is to kill the python, not study it. Maybe the government is trying to stop the average Joe from going out into the swamps and hunting down a dangerous large snake. But honestly, if you are a city slicker from a Miami ‘burb stupid enough to venture into the ‘glades after giant reptiles, then you get what you have coming. Let’s not stop the rednecks from the backwaters (said with all respect) from heading out in their air boat after some python burgers! Then again, I doubt laws and permits will stop them from doing that anyways… but still.
- Blunt or sharp objects only? Are we living in the dark ages? This makes absolutely no sense. By all means, make the hunters get close to the giant snakes. No wonder they have to experts to get a permit. The government wants the hunters to leap from boats and wrestle the python into submission so they can then beat it with a bat and poke it with a pocket knife. Don’t you think a shotgun would be more effective?
- Wouldn’t it make more sense for the government to tell the public “if you see a loose python, feel free to kill it yourself… if not call, us and we’ll send someone out to kill it”.
If someone can explain the logic behind this, please leave a comment. I am dying to know.
