Widespread wetland area known as the Everglades is well-known for its distinct ecology and abundance of varied fauna. Although crocodiles and alligators frequently garner the most attention, the public’s attention has been drawn to a more elusive and terrifying animal: the anaconda.
The topic of whether anacondas are indeed a menace in the Everglades emerges in light of stories of enormous snakes hiding in the murky waters. This investigation breaks myth from truth by examining the facts surrounding these enormous reptiles.
Anacondas: An Overview of the Species
Native to several Caribbean islands and South America, especially the Amazon and Orinoco basins, anacondas are apex predators.
They are primarily found in water, either completely submerged or with only their eyes—which have evolved to sit on top of their heads—sticking above the surface to wait for unsuspecting prey to approach, in contrast to the Burmese python. The largest snake species now known to science is the green anaconda (Eunectes murinus).
They can grow up to 12 inches in diameter and the length of a typical school bus, to put things into perspective.
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Anaconda in the Everglades
In the Florida Everglades, the first verified sighting of an anaconda took place in 2003. A guy called Jack Shealy noticed an odd-looking snake on the side of a gravel road while out for a bike ride. He caught the snake because he was at ease with them and because it was small, barely a few feet long.
Shealy took it home with him since huge snakes were still legal to own as pets in Florida. Sadly—or luckily, depending on how you look at it—it stopped eating and died. This harmful behavior lends credence to the theory that this anaconda was born in the wild.
Sightings after that have generally happened on the Everglades’ east coast and have been moving further upstate. Few have been successfully captured—one was taken not far from Naples—and many officials argue that there are still no established healthy breeding populations.
Britannica
There’s no denying that Burmese pythons are far more common than green and yellow anacondas in the Everglades and other sections of Southern Florida.
One of the worst examples of invasive species in the world, Southeast Asian constrictors have taken over the delicate ecology, numbering in the tens or even hundreds of thousands.
Florida launched the uphill (and muddy) Python Elimination Program, which employs hunters on a monthly basis, and the 10-day (kind of) annual Python Challenge, which pays $10,000 to the person who can catch and kill the most pythons in a humane manner.
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Environmental Aspects and Issues
Though an occasional blip on the Everglades’ radar, if breeding populations take hold, anacondas’ potential ecological impact may easily resemble that of the Burmese python. Large numbers of (already vulnerable) native animals could be eaten by these apex predators.
Last but not least, anacondas may introduce new diseases to native snakes, much like Burmese pythons currently do.
While there aren’t yet task groups or hunting competitions in place to combat anacondas in Florida, there are some preventative measures in place. Large exotic snakes like pythons and anacondas are no longer legal for Florida residents to acquire.
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To Conclude
Even with their terrifying reputation, anacondas are still uncommon in the Everglades. Although the sporadic sightings prompt worries about possible ecological effects, the more common problem of invasive Burmese pythons continues to be the main emphasis.
Remember that the Everglades are still a remarkable ecosystem that supports a wide variety of wildlife, even while the state keeps an eye on the situation.
The natural ecology of the Everglades may be respected, and tourists can take in its beauty while lowering their risk exposure by following safety precautions.
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