Safety Suggestions

Participants can follow these guidelines to make safety a priority during their searches:

• Summer is hurricane season in Florida, so monitor weather conditions during your trip.
• Schedule trips to best suit your physical needs.
• Don’t overdo it! Take frequent breaks to rest and hydrate.
• Bring adequate water supply and snacks.
• Bring insect repellant, sunscreen and wear protective clothing.
• Choose closed-toed footwear that offers protection and sure footing in all types of environmental conditions.
• Familiarize yourself with the area where you will be searching in advance of planning your trip and check current environmental conditions before you head out. You can also check for area closures due to extreme weather.
• Never feed wildlife.
• Scout snakes, which are typically found in Big Cypress WMA, Everglades Francis S. Taylor WMA or adjacent lands, should not be harmed or removed.
• Haul out any trash you bring with you.
• Strongly consider searching for pythons with a buddy! Removing pythons with a partner is easier and safer.
• Tell a friend your plans! Let someone who is not joining your trip know where you are searching and when you plan to return from the field. Then, check-in with them when you return.

Watch the safe capture video for more information on how to safely handle and capture Burmese pythons.

Remember that all participants must take the Required Online Training for additional safety tips and techniques for finding pythons in Florida’s environment, and to learn the requirements for humane methods for killing pythons.