The state sanctioned hunt had over 1000 registered participants. So these two hunters by themselves may eclipse the result of that effort. I camp in the Everglades park a lot and the damage these animals have done is noticeable. They are taking deer, alligators and all of the raccoons. I saw one swimming in the north of whitewater bay and should have run him over with the boat but wasn’t sure what he was until I found a picture of one. The difference in the way these two hunt reportedly is that they get down in the high weeds along the banks versus the amateurs technique of trying to find them sunning themselves up on a path on a cold day. Their tribe inIndia allegedly hunted the local pythons to extinction, and I hope they can teach the locals how to do it.
Here’s a charming little article that will no doubt warm the cockles of your heart.
http://www.bagheera.com/inthewild/van_anim_python.htm
They are not responsible for deer [or any other mammal] population decline.
Diverting water for the plantations and housing developments, and ironically “Everglades restoration” is.
Hogs, cats and rats.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_invasive_species_in_the_Everglades#Mammals
Among many other things.
I watched a show on a particular *tree* that was utterly devastating the ecosystem.
It spreads like a rabid weed and they have *no way* to eradicate it.
http://pesticide.ifas.ufl.edu/courses/pdfs/melaleuca/Melaleuca.pdf
And a tree fungus is wiping out the other trees, thereby eliminating habitat and root systems necessary for ecological stability
But people are not ridiculously terrified by trees or fungus.
Blame the evil snakes.
It’s easier than taking responsibility.
Thanks for your input, that. clears it up.