The man who captured 87 Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades: Why did he do it?
A Florida hunter has managed to capture nearly 90 pythons. Here's why he did it.
Aaron Mann has earned recognition in South Florida for capturing 87 Burmese pythons, an invasive species threatening the delicate ecosystem of the Everglades.
These giant snakes prey on native wildlife, including birds, mammals, and reptiles, disrupting the food chain for natural predators like panthers, bobcats and raptors.
“Invasive pythons are one of the most destructive species in the U.S. Everglades,” the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) explained. “Their aggressive predation on native wildlife deprives panthers, raptors, bobcats, and other predators of their primary food sources.”
But Mann’s tireless work was not simply to aid the local wildlife, he was also working in pursuit of a cash bonus from the state for helping to rid the slithery pests.
Since July, Mann has documented 87 python captures - the highest individual tally this year - earning him $1,000 in payments, according to the SFWMD.
Python hunting in the Everglades
The state’s python removal program operates across seven counties: Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward, Collier, Hendry, Lee, and Palm Beach. Hunters are paid hourly - $13, $18 or $30, depending on the location - for up to 10 hours per day.
On top of that, they receive bonuses based on the length of the snake that they capture. They earn $50 for each python up to four feet in length, $25 for every additional foot, and $200 for verified active nests.
It may seem like a strange step for the state to take but the need for action is frighteningly clear. Female Burmese pythons can lay as many as 100 eggs at a time, fueling rapid population growth.
Since 2000, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has reported removing more than 23,000 pythons from the Everglades. And there are plenty still remaining.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.