Exotic game, lethal invaders

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has declared special hunting season on reptilian species of environmental concern: Burmese python, Indian python, reticulated python, northern and southern African rock python, amethystine or scrub python, green anaconda, and Nile monitor lizard. Hunters may take these species throughout state lands in southern Florida from March 8 through April 17, 2010.

The accompanying Miami Herald video portrays Bob Hill, who hunts pythons and other invasive reptiles in the Everglades for the South Florida Water Management District. The New York Times has hosted a forum on the use of hunting as one weapon against alien invasive species.

Editor's note: Cross-posted at Biolaw.