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Florida Health Department advises against eating pythons, but some do anyway.

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Samantha NeelyKimberly Miller

USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida

https://www.naplesnews.com/story/news/2024/08/16/florida-python-meat-mercury-challenge/74780800007/

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How do you take your python — deep-fried or sautéed in spices and olive oil? Though you might want to think twice for placing your order.

The Florida Department of Health has recently penned an advisory of “do not consume python” caught in the state, no matter the snake size because of the risk of unhealthy mercury levels in its meat.

However, some are still taking a nibble on the invasive snake. While its not against the law to eat python, it’s just not recommended, according to FWC’s Python Challenge website. Here’s what to know before trying it out.

What are Burmese pythons? See how big invasive snakes get

A Burmese python slithers through the Everglades during the Python Challenge in the Everglades.

The Burmese python is a large, nonvenomous constrictor snake that is an invasive species in Florida. Burmese pythons were introduced to Florida via the pet trade and are now well established in the Everglades, where the snake represents a threat to the ecosystem.

Burmese pythons typically grow to 16 feet long, weighing 200 pounds, with the largest Burmese python ever measured caught at 19 feet in Naples on July 12, 2023.

The pythons are found just south of Lake Okeechobee to Key Largo and from western Broward County west to Collier County. However, officials last year said they are currently trying to learn more about Burmese pythons removed from the Charlotte County area.

What is the Florida Python Challenge? It ends this Sunday

The Florida Python Challenge is a 10-day competition created by FWC to encourage participants to remove pythons from seven commission-managed lands in South Florida.

The annual Everglades python hunt started at 12:01 a.m. Friday, Aug. 9 and will end at 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18. There is $25,000 in prizes up for grabs during this year’s hunt.

FWC officials claim the intent of the challenge is to not only remove the predators but also to spread awareness of the dangers they pose. The competition also seeks to protect the Everglades habitat and all its native animals by removing the invasive Burmese pythons.

Can you eat python meat? Why it isn’t recommended by the FWC

According to the FWC, some Burmese pythons removed from the Everglades that have been tested for mercury levels have contained amounts of mercury considered too high for human consumption.

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“Though it is not illegal to eat python meat, the Florida Department of Health recently finalized a consumption advisory for Burmese pythons found in Florida, advising “Do Not Consume Python” due to the high levels of mercury found in python meat. For more information regarding this advisory, please contact the Florida Department of Health,” it shares on the challenge’s website.

In a Palm Beach Post article, they shared that toxicology results on 487 snakes were reviewed by the state’s health department and led to its advisory, as explained in a March 8 letter to FWC’s non-native wildlife coordinator McKayla Spencer.

The letter also notes that because there is no known meal size for snakes, the standard 8 ounces used for fish was also used in the python testing.

Are some Burmese pythons more poisonous than others? Study says so

Capturing a Burmese python can be the thrill of a lifetime. The FWC has been hosting its Python Challenge since 2013 where professional and amateurs compete for prize money to catch and kill the most Burmese python. These are some of the memorable poses.

Much of the mercury in Florida comes from pollution in the sky, raining down from towering clouds that grab it in the upper levels of the atmosphere.

In Everglades National Park, the mercury mixes with sulfur coming from agriculture upstream. The sulfur oxidizes to sulfate, which energizes microbes that turn mercury into methylmercury, which is what accumulates in the food chain.

In a 2019 study, researchers from Florida Gulf Coast University and the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, found lower levels of mercury in pythons that live in the southwest region of the state, including Picayune Strand State Forest and Big Cypress National Preserve.

The 2019 study also found little correlation between python size, age and mercury level. 

Participants from all over the country and Canada come for Florida Python Challenge this week5 things to know about the Florida Python Challenge: Map for hunt, bounty, how to killNo guns: Legal ways to kill a Burmese python in Florida Python ChallengeFlorida Python Challenge is on! Prizes a lot bigger in 2024 for snakes hunted this AugustBehold! Some of the biggest Burmese pythons caught during Florida Python ChallengeWhat is a ball python? Here’s an explainer on the ‘nice cousin’ to the BurmeseWarmer temperatures, cold-tolerant adaptations means Burmese pythons may reach Georgia

Update on Paul Watson’s Hearing

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Paul Watson has been denied the basic right to defend himself with evidence, while enduring degrading treatment that is more fitting for a convicted criminal than a man yet to have his day in court. The Ministry of Justice must act swiftly to end this travesty.
Paul was brought to court today in Nuuk, Greenland handcuffed and in immense pain when trying to exit the backseat of a police van.
The entire court hearing was in Danish and Paul was not allowed a translator, which goes against Danish law.
Paul concluded his statement in court saying, “It’s obvious to me that Japan is seeking revenge for the international humiliation caused by the Whale Wars TV series, reporting our actions against illegal whaling. But my two little boys need me more than Japan needs its revenge.”
The court refused to see video evidence of the Whale Wars series that shows that the Japanese fabricated evidence. This evidence is not only publicly available, but also strongly refutes the charges against him. This evidence, if allowed, could significantly undermine the case being brought by the Japanese authorities. The refusal to consider this evidence raises serious concerns about the fairness of the legal proceedings and suggests that Watson is being denied a fair opportunity to defend himself.
The actions taken against Watson represent a blatant violation of his personal rights. The denial of his ability to present exculpatory evidence, coupled with his prolonged detention under dubious circumstances, highlights a disturbing disregard for his basic human rights. This case not only threatens Watson’s freedom, but also sets a dangerous precedent for the treatment of activists and the protection of individual rights in the face of politically motivated persecution.
The positive aspect of this trial is that Japan has now catapulted Operation Kangei Maru to a worldwide audience. Operation Kangei Maru would not have received such attention, so by them arresting Paul, it is putting their actions on trial for the whole world to witness and judge.
The Judge’s verdict – Paul is being held in prison until September 5 pending the Justice Department’s decision on potential extradition to Japan.
Paul’s lawyers immediately appealed the decision to the High Court of Greenland.
Statement by Lawyers Julie Stage and Jonas Christoffersen– “The allegations against Paul Watson are based on facts constructed by Japanese authorities to stop Paul Watson’s campaign. Paul Watson is accused of conspiring with Peter Bethune to injure a crew member of the Shonan Maru, who the Japanese claim was on the deck of the ship when the stink bomb hit the ship. The facts that led to Peter Bethune’s conviction in Japan in 2010. Video shows the crew member was not on deck when the stink bomb hit the ship, contrary to Japanese claims. What the images also show is that the Japanese had, a short time earlier, used large quantities of pepper gas, which touched their own crew in the face. These videos show Japan made up facts to obtain extradition and conviction. Our team will be releasing Animal Planet videos so the public can understand what this case is really about.”
We need ALL hands on deck – Let your voices be heard!
Email and CallDenmark’s Minister of Justice Peter Hummelgaardjm@jm.dk+45 7226 8400
#FreePaulWatson
Address to send Paul letters in Prison
PAUL WATSONAnstalten PrisonNuuk, GREENLANDDK-3900
In 2008, the Federal Court of Australia ruled that Japanese whaling activities in the Australian Whale Sanctuary, which is part of the Southern Ocean, were illegal. The court issued an injunction against the Japanese whaling company, Kyodo Senpaku Kaisha Ltd, ordering them to stop hunting whales in the Australian Whale Sanctuary but it was ignored by Japan.
Australia then took legal action against Japan by bringing a case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2013, challenging Japan’s Antarctic whaling program. Australia argued that Japan’s whaling activities violated international law, specifically the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling.
In 2014, the ICJ ruled in favor of Australia, declaring that Japan’s whaling program was not for scientific purposes and ordered Japan to cease its whaling operations in the Southern Ocean. Despite this ruling, Japan later resumed whaling under a revised program, claiming it was for scientific research.
At the 2016 International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting, Australia led the charge with a landmark resolution, approved by 88 nations, aimed at tightening the loophole that allows nations to kill whales under the pretext of scientific research. While the IWC has made strides in closing this loophole, it still exists. Tragically, over 15,000 whales have been hunted by Japan in the Southern Ocean and Antarctic waters under the guise of research.
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Zombie deer disease complicates hunting season in Kansas

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by: Matthew Self, Wil Day

Posted: Aug 15, 2024 / 05:42 PM CDT

Updated: Aug 16, 2024 / 06:33 AM CDT

SHARE https://www.ksn.com/news/state-regional/zombie-deer-disease-complicates-hunting-season-in-kansas/

TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNT) — Wildlife officials are raising awareness of a zombie-like deer disease ahead of the upcoming 2024-2025 Kansas deer hunting season, along with a few other need-to-knows.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Wildlife Disease Program Coordinator Shane Hesting and Big Game Program Coordinator Levi Jaster say hunters need to be aware heading into the season, especially about where chronic wasting disease, also known as zombie deer disease.

Debunking a CWD myth

Although CWD is widespread in parts of Kansas, Hesting says hunters need not be concerned about it spreading to humans. There is currently no evidence of people contracting CWD through deer. In fact, a study by the National Institutes of Health shows that the disease is unlikely to spread to humans.

“The risk is not zero, though,” says Hesting. “Wildlife and Parks does not recommend eating sick deer.”

Cooking the deer meat alone will not sterilize it. CWD is a Prion disease that requires an internal temperature of at least 1,832°F to destroy it.

Where is CWD in Kansas?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show the disease has been found in 49 Kansas counties. Most reported cases have been in the western half of the state.

Below is the most recently published map from the CDC, dated July 2024. Counties marked red are areas where positive cases of CWD have been found.

(Photo Courtesy/CDC)

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The disease is difficult to eliminate. It can remain in soil and water for years, making it difficult to remove.

Hesting said KDWP staff conducted surveillance of the disease in the southwest zone of Kansas last year but are moving their attention to the northwest zone for 2024. This is the heaviest-hit part of the state for the disease, with nearly half of all surveyed deer found to be carrying it.

(Photo Courtesy/KDWP)

CWD testing and management

Hesting encourages hunters to take advantage of free CWD testing this year. His department’s budget allows for about 1,200 free deer tests throughout the state, except for the northwest zone, where 300 tests are already marked down for use. Hunters can find information on testing in the KDWP hunting summary or on the KDWP’s website.

“On the bright side, we still have a healthy deer herd for the most part,” says Hesting. “That’s what the prevalence is in two-and-a-half-year-old and older bucks. The northwest zone is about a flip of a coin now. But we have a lot of healthy deer out there. We have a lot of healthy, nice big bucks to hunt.”Ribbon cut for WPD Patrol East substation

Hesting says hunters should not shy away from taking down yearling bucks or does to help control the spread of the disease. Yearling bucks can take the disease with them to new parts of the state, while doe groups carrying the disease help keep CWD situated in a specific area.

Hunters should also watch out for Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD), which the department is currently monitoring. The disease is transported by biting midges and can cause dehydration, fever and death. Hesting says there has been an uptick in the disease in Kansas.

“I think the wet weather is keeping it at bay this year,” says Hesting. “Keep an eye out for sick deer and report them to wildlife and parks.”

Deer season outlook

Jaster says deer season will be fairly typical for the state’s hunters. In general, conditions regarding regulations and herd sizes haven’t changed much from last year, with deer numbers being lower in the west and higher in the east.

“Anywhere in Kansas holds a chance for a mature quality deer,” says Jaster. “Our numbers are highest in the southeast and northeast.’

Jaster says there are fewer deer in the western portion of the state this year. He says the best chance for spotting them this season is in eastern Kansas.

Hunters are also reminded to follow the new hunting regulations on trail cameras, which were banned on KDWP lands last year following the public outcry. Last year, frequent thefts and misuse were cited as leading factors behind the ban.

“They were causing a lot of disturbance,” says Jaster. “A lot of people were using those not to monitor game anymore and were monitoring other hunters.”Pet Project: Venus still looking for a fur-ever home

Hesting said KDWP commissioners will also discuss a carcass movement regulation during the Aug. 29 meeting in Hays. This will include discussing strategies being used by other states to help reduce the spread of diseases like CWD to other parts of Kansas.

Click here for information on deer hunting in Kansas, including season dates and purchasing permits and tags.