Florida, Invasion der Pythons (360° - GEO Reportage)

In its native Asia, the Burmese python is threatened with extinction – in the US state of Florida, these constrictors are becoming a plague. They are now a serious threat to the unique wildlife of Everglades National Park. Florida authorities are now calling on citizens to participate in a competition in which recreational hunters are allowed to go snake hunting in the national park as an exception. A film by Gordian Arneth © 2016, Licensed by MedienKontor / ARTE Subscribe to wocomoTRAVEL: https://goo.gl/tIk2Qc Follow us on Facebook:   / wocomo   Press release: After Burmese pythons kept as pets escaped into the Everglades years ago in the US state of Florida, they have proliferated explosively. The reptiles, which can grow up to five meters long, are now penetrating the outskirts of cities. To prevent their further spread, authorities are holding the "Python Challenge" for the second time. Hunters from all over the country travel to this competition. One of the participants is Nick Gadbois. The Florida-based biologist is considered one of the most successful snake hunters. 360° - GEO Reportage accompanied him on the hunt. Nick Gadbois understands the fascination many Americans have with reptiles. The biologist keeps turtles in his own garden. However, he is critical of the irresponsible treatment of the animals. For years, exotic species that have become too large, too dangerous, or too expensive for their owners to keep as pets have repeatedly ended up in the wild in Florida, where they fight for their place in the food chain as invaders. One of the most dangerous of these invasive species is the Asian tiger python, which is blamed for the disappearance of native animals such as rabbits and foxes. Some lynx species, opossums, and raccoons have also been severely decimated. While scientists try to research the snakes' habits in Florida's swamps, the Department of Forestry and Nature Conservancy has authorized the animals to be shot. But even a targeted hunt like the official "Python Challenge" can have little effect. Just 68 snakes were caught during the last competition in the Everglades – out of an estimated total population of over 100,000 pythons! Nick Gadbois will nevertheless be taking part this year. For him, the experienced hunter, participation is a matter of honor. For many others, the winning prize is the prize money: whoever catches the largest specimen or the most animals receives several thousand dollars in prize money.