I just wanted to see if any watertribers signed up for the python hunt in the everglades? What do folks think of this? The the EC derby the chief has a fishing derby, is a python derby going to be added?
Pythons
(12 posts) (10 voices)-
Santiago
MemberI saw that KayakKowboy recently posted that he is participating in the Python Challenge.
Sadly, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission's Python Challenge ends on February 10th. http://www.pythonchallenge.org/python-challenge.aspx
Outside the Python Challenge, a hunting license and permit are required. Of course, if one gets within ten yards of me, I will agrue that it falls into the "hunt or be hunted" rule!
I have a question for our EC veterans: Has anyone ever actually seen a python during the EC? I know we joke about them a lot, but I understand most of the beasts are in central or eastern Everglades. Here's and interesting map for those who are interested: http://www.eddmaps.org/florida/distribution/viewmap.cfm?sub=20461
Posted 8 years ago # -
whitecaps
MemberThe real truth.
Yes it is scary!
Coons constantly take your water and food. I have yet been able to stop this and have almost died on my one short trip in the glades from loss of food and water.
The worst part is the Manatees and Alligators that turn over my boat all the time. I have fended off a panther from one of my kids once and I know for sure a Bobcat stalked us one night. Yep even a sea turtle tried to bury one of my buddies alive one night. (hey I have pictures of this nesting turtle.)
Now I have to worry about these monster snakes that are huge and eat Water Tribers.
Hell I am gonna quit camping down there and I advise all the rest of you stop going there also.
Yea I go into the so called glades now and again and sometimes way back. As for me the only time I carry a weapon is for rest stops on a road trip. All the rest of the time I carry an imitating knife with a blade length of 2-3 inches or less made by me or Mr. Boyd.
Come on these creature are not after you and unless you get stupid with a gator (yep some are fearless gators so stay away or pay attention to) nothing to worry with. Heck if one wanted you it would happen so fast. Yep I have seen this. Just watch a big bird catch a fish. In a violent sudden attack you just try to survive, no gun or knife is much good. Deer are pretty wary and fast and they get caught now and again.
Dam I wished I would have bought stock in big knives.
toby
Posted 8 years ago # -
DonKeyHoTey
MemberEven if you don't see one enroute, don't let your guard down while slurping your pina colada in KL. They've spotted a couple of burmese pythons within a few hundred yards of the finish: http://www.eddmaps.org/florida/distribution/viewmap.cfm?sub=20461
-Per
Posted 8 years ago # -
The map does not give me comfort. Notice that all the reported sitings are close to populated areas. Most of the Everglades is unpopulated and there is no one there to file a report.
If a tree falls in the woods and there is no one there to hear it, does it make a sound? I would not want to be sleeping under that tree...
Posted 8 years ago # -
Ridgerunner
MemberThe University of Florida researcher who is in on the python rodeo was on a NPR talk show yesterday. He said that there were deer, bobcats, wading birds, and smaller wild animals in the stomachs of pythons brought in. I jus can't imagine them coming afte a human (we're too big to swallow). A biology teacher who shared a lab with me kept one that grew to 7 feet. it lived on mice and I would take it to my 7th grade science class for them to see up close. It would rest on my sholders and down both arms and was strong and muscular, but it could swallow, at most, a chicken.
Posted 8 years ago # -
Scareman
MemberSo RR, I will tell my wife not to act like a "CHICKEN" so the python will not eat her.
I have seen most people that act "chicken" in the presence of any snake. My wife is especially scared of any snake. I will
Snake must think...(visualize bubbled thoughts over snake head) "Mmmmm...Humans. Taste like Chicken. Scared like Chicken. Time to eat!"
I have had a Water Mocassin strike at me from a couple of feet beside me while I was filming raccoons in my backyard. I had no idea that this Cottonmouth was there, until I looked down and saw a black/gray pile of scales beside my foot. This poisonous snake jumped its entire body off of the ground vertically at me. Luckily it did not jump at an angle or the fangs would have pierced my skin. The angle of this cottonmouth's open mouth while jumping at me helped me realize that it would stick whatever it hits wile lunging or striking. This snake would not have to bite because the fangs were exposed, and it could have been a very bad day for me. I have the video footage to prove it, and kept the snake in frame while it jumped up and had its head 3' off of the ground. My friends and family are amazed that I kept the snake in frame on the video.
Sweet dreams in the Everglades Y'all!
Posted 8 years ago # -
Ridgerunner
MemberMan eaten by giant snake
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJGNEu53Cyc&feature=player_embedded
Posted 8 years ago # -
CleanSlate
MemberPython eats alligator
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVRhRzE_AkQ
Maybe we should zip our tent doors all the way up after all.
Posted 8 years ago # -
MicroTom
Key Masterhttp://www.wikihow.com/Cook-a-Snake
"Snake is somewhere between chicken and fish in texture and flavor, and may be made to seem like either."
Posted 8 years ago #
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