CNN
The predator might soon become the prey if Florida scientists can confirm that Burmese pythons an extremely invasive species in the Everglades are safe for us to eat.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is collaborating with the Florida Department of Health to investigate the mercury levels in pythons to determine if they can be safely consumed. If so, the snakes may soon end up on restaurant menus and dinner tables across the state.
Pythons are nonvenomous constrictors primarily found in south Florida where they have posed a serious risk to native wildlife in the region. The snake is not native to the state, and began appearing in the Everglades in the 1980s when it was likely introduced as an escaped or released pet.
Florida residents may soon be able to enjoy a new delicacy – and help in the fight against an unwanted predator – as a state review finds out if Burmese pythons are safe for consumption.
The pythons, one of the largest snakes in the world, are an invasive species in the Florida everglades.
With a typical length of around five metres, the south-east Asian reptiles were first discovered in the wild in the US in the 1980s and are believed to have been introduced after a pet owner released one.
Since then they have established themselves at the top of the local food chain, decimating the populations of rabbits, racoons, possums and other small mammals.
Restaurantes en Florida pronto podrían servir pitón elvocero.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from elvocero.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
The predator might soon become the prey if Florida scientists can confirm that Burmese pythons an extremely invasive species in the Everglades are safe for us to eat.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is collaborating with the Florida Department of Health to investigate the mercury levels in pythons to determine if they can be safely consumed. If so, the snakes may soon end up on restaurant menus and dinner tables across the state.
Pythons are nonvenomous constrictors primarily found in south Florida where they have posed a serious risk to native wildlife in the region. The snake is not native to the state, and began appearing in the Everglades in the 1980s when it was likely introduced as an escaped or released pet.