SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/reptile-everglades-pythons-pets

How did Burmese pythons become established in Everglades National Park?

Pet pythons escaped or were released.

Start playing free

  1. They swam over from Asia
  2. A zoo hatched them there on purpose
  3. Pet pythons escaped or were released ✔

Why: The National Park Service says Burmese pythons are established in the Everglades because captive pets escaped or were released. Studies link them to sharp drops in mammals, and once established they are very hard to remove.

Huh, didn't know that: The park's message for pet owners is 'Don't Let it Loose.'

The dad joke
Why do snakes love swamps? Everything there is sssso soggy.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Pet pythons escaped or were released. The National Park Service says Burmese pythons are established in the Everglades because captive pets escaped or were released. Studies link them to sharp drops in mammals, and once established they are very hard to remove.

  1. Burmese Python (Everglades National Park, National Park Service) www.nps.gov/ever/learn/nature/burmese-python.htm
    Burmese pythons are established in the park due to accidental or intentional release of captive pet animals.
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. Burmese Python (Everglades National Park, National Park Service) www.nps.gov/ever/learn/nature/burmese-python.htm
    Once they are established, removal becomes much, much harder.
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  3. Burmese Python (Everglades National Park, National Park Service) www.nps.gov/ever/learn/nature/burmese-python.htm
    Don't release unwanted pets
    Checked 2026-10-11.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

ReptilesIs it OK to release a pet reptile outdoors if its species is native to your area?ReptilesPer US Fish and Wildlife, why do many pet boa constrictors escape or get released?ReptilesIn California, released pet red-eared sliders compete with which native animal?

That's stuff everyone should know.