Is the python problem in the Florida everglades getting worse and could the snakes spread to other US states?

The python problem in Florida is not nearly as bad as the media would have us believe. These snake are incapable of tolerating cold climates and it is VERY unlikely that they will be able to spread anywhere north of Florida. An experimented was conducted on this very subject in North Carolina where 10 snakes where kept in a secure outdoor enclosure for a year. After the winter 9 of them where dead and last I heard the 10th one died shortly after due to medical problems caused by exposure to the cold. Even in Florida, after last years unusually cold winter many of the wild pythons have been turning up dead and the number of live ones being found has decreased drastically. Will they ever be completely gone from Florida? Probably not, but they will not spread elsewhere.

I would also like to point out that the original reason for these snakes appearance in the wild is NOT due to irresponsible owners releasing them into the wild, however that certainly does not help the situation, but it is believed that past hurricanes that destroyed road side zoos and a very large breeding facility are responsible for the wild Burmese pythons in Florida.

Be aware of reports published by the USGS as they have been proven time and time again to be wrong yet they will not admit it and recall their 'research'.

If you get a chance visit USARK.org for more information on how such media hype is destroying the reptile industry. Also watch the Python Hunters on National Geographic Wild.