The use of drones could help combat invasive species
New legislation in the Senate could allow the state of Florida to move the fight against the invasive burmese python to the skies via the use of drones. The bill creates an exception to a current law that prohibits law enforcement agencies from using drones to gather information. It would allow the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida Forest Service to use drones to combat invasive species in places like the Everglades.
This years annual python hunt, that came to be known as the python bowl, was considered a huge success. Nearly 80 snakes were captured in the Everglades in an effort to combat the invasive species. The event was organized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and drew hunters from all over the United States looking to win a reward. It is estimated that there are tens of thousands of the invasive burmese pythons living in the Everglades, upsetting the natural habitat of countless other species.
For information on proper snake removal, check out Nuisance Wildlife Marshals.
Florida Could Use Drones to Fight Pythons
Florida could turn to the sky to fight Burmese pythons on the ground under a bill a Senate committee unanimously approved Monday to allow two state agencies to use drones in the effort to eradicate invasive plants and animals.
The bill would create an exception to a current law that prohibits law enforcement from using drones to gather information and bans state agencies from using drones to gather images on private land. It would allow the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida Forest Service to fly drones to manage and eradicate invasion species on public lands. via NYTimes
Summary: New legislation in the Senate could allow the state of Florida to move the fight against the invasive burmese python to the skies via the use of drones. The bill creates an exception to a current law that prohibits law enforcement agencies from using drones.
A Senate committee unanimously approves to allow two state agencies to use drones in the effort to eradicate invasive plants and animals. https://t.co/Ezut6d2DpR
— PBS NewsHour (@NewsHour) January 29, 2020
Florida hunters capture more than 80 giant snakes
This year the hunt was called Python Bowl because nearby Miami is hosting the annual finale to the National Football League season – the Super Bowl – this weekend, which brings hordes of extra visitors to the state. The hunt attracted extra sports sponsorship and more categories and prizes this year, on offer to intrepid reptile hunters from near and far.
It was organised by the Florida fish and wildlife conservation commission (FWC) and South Florida water management district, with involvement from the Miami Super Bowl host committee this year, and strong support from Florida’s governor, Ron DeSantis. Read more
Summary: This years annual python hunt, that came to be known as the python bowl, was considered a huge success. Nearly 80 snakes were captured in the Everglades in an effort to combat the invasive species.
Florida hunters capture more than 80 giant snakes in Python Bowl https://t.co/0teO4iaSlB
— The Guardian (@guardian) January 30, 2020