If you live in South Florida, Pythons may be coming to a restaurant near you.
What We Know:
- Burmese pythons are considered to be an invasive species in South Florida and pose a serious threat to native wildlife. After their first appearance in the Everglades around the 1980s, Florida scientists are now trying to determine if the pythons are safe to eat.
- According to CNN, The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is working with the Florida Department of Health to investigate the mercury levels in pythons to determine if they are suitable for human consumption. Wildlife spokeswoman Susan Neel told CNN that the pythons used for their research were captured from The Python Elimination Program.
- The Python Elimination Program is responsible for removing over 6,000 pythons from South Florida. It is led by commission funds and the South Florida Water Management District. Aside from providing the pythons, the program is also supporting the mercury study financially.
- Some people are already trying new recipes. Python Elimination Program member Kalil says, “It’s really good when you cook it right.” She recommends putting the white meat in a pressure cooker until tender or turning it into strips of jerky.
- Currently, the FWC encourages residents to safely and humanely kill pythons when they can and report any sightings to officials. If scientists can determine that the pythons are safe to eat, this will add another layer of population control.
Would you eat a Burmese python?
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