Latest news with #AmySiewe
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'Python Huntress' quits day job to fight back as snakes try to take over vast US area: 'The most effective tool that we have'
When Amy Siewe caught her first nine-foot python in Florida's Everglades, it wasn't just a thrill — it was a calling, according to the New Hampshire Union Leader. Within two months, the former real estate agent sold her business in Indiana and moved south to hunt snakes full time. Today, with more than 600 pythons removed, Siewe is known as the "Python Huntress." Her mission is to help protect one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the United States. The Burmese python, native to Southeast Asia, has wreaked havoc on Florida's native species ever since a breeding facility was destroyed during Hurricane Andrew in 1992. With no natural predators in the Everglades, the snake population has ballooned — estimates now put it at more than 500,000. These snakes can grow up to 18 feet long and are known to consume birds, mammals, and even alligators. In a region that's home to endangered species like the Florida panther and the largest continuous mangrove ecosystem in the Western hemisphere, the impact has been dramatic. Studies have shown declines in raccoons, opossums, bobcats, and rabbits. "To date, [this one's] probably eaten about 200 of our native animals," Siewe said during a recent capture of a 10-foot snake. Invasive species — whether snakes, plants, or insects — throw ecosystems out of balance. While the Everglades' problem is on a grand scale, even invasive plants in backyards can crowd out native species. Plus, they're a headache to get rid of, costing time and money. Luckily, rewilding your yard with native plants, clover, buffalo grass, or using eco-friendly landscaping techniques like xeriscaping can slash your water bill and yard work. Plus, it makes your yard a friendly place for pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are essential to protecting our food supply. Even partially upgrading to a natural lawn can offer financial and environmental benefits. Hunting is one of Florida's most effective strategies to deal with invasive pythons. Florida even hosts an annual "Python Challenge" to encourage hunting. The snakes are often skinned, tanned, and repurposed into goods like purses and belts. It can take up to 12 hours to find one, so the work is time-consuming. Another potential solution could be found at the dinner table — a Southeast Asian study found that pythons turn feed into protein more efficiently than traditional livestock. "We're always going to have pythons in Florida," Siewe said, according to the New Hampshire Union Leader. "What we're trying to do is figure out how to decrease their numbers. Hunting right now is the most effective tool that we have." Should we be actively working to kill invasive species? Absolutely It depends on the species I don't know No — leave nature alone Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
The Star
20-06-2025
- General
- The Star
Meet the 'Python Huntress', who has more than 600 dead pythons under her belt
Siewe is a professional hunter of the invasive Burmese python in Florida. — Photos: Reuters Amy Siewe was a successful real estate agent – but her life changed after she captured her first python in Florida's Everglades in the United States. 'I just had this fascination with snakes. So when I learned that there was a python problem here in Florida... I went on a hunt, I caught a 2.75m python, and that was it. I was hooked!' she said. Within two months she had sold her business in Indiana and moved to Florida to become a python hunter. Now, with more than 600 dead pythons under her belt, she is known as the 'Python Huntress' – one of a handful of women among hundreds of men hunting the invasive Burmese python in Florida's Everglades wetland ecosystem. 'This python is about 3m long,' she says as she wrestles a snake she has just captured in the tall grass in the middle of the night. 'It's probably about three years old, and to date it's eaten about 200 of our native animals, including mammals and birds.' The snakeskins are tanned into leather and dyed, then turned into fashion accessories and other goods. Burmese pythons have been spreading through the Everglades National Park since Hurricane Andrew in 1992 destroyed a breeding facility for the pet trade, freeing some 900 snakes. Originally native to South-East Asia, the python can grow up to 5.5m long and has a voracious appetite, consuming the local wildlife, including mammals, birds and even alligators. The Everglades is a unique subtropical ecosystem, with the largest continuous mangrove ecosystem in the Western Hemisphere. It is home to a vast array of unique species, including the endangered Florida panther, the American alligator and the American crocodile. But it provides no natural predators to the Burmese python, allowing the population of the invasive species to balloon. Scientists have noted dramatic declines in raccoons, opossums, bobcats, and rabbits in the region. 'There's an estimated 500,000 pythons out there,' Siewe said. Siewe and her boyfriend Dave Roberts measuring a python they caught in Ochopee, Florida. The pythons, which are hunted by night, cannot legally be transported alive, so they are killed on site after being captured and measured. Once home, Siewe skins the dead snakes, and then has the skins professionally tanned into leather to be made into purses, wallets, watch bands and other goods. It takes an average of 12 hours to catch one. 'So it's not that effective, right,' she admits. 'We're always going to have pythons in Florida. What we're trying to do is figure out how to decrease their numbers. Hunting right now is the most effective tool that we have.' – Reuters
Straits Times
10-06-2025
- General
- Straits Times
'Python Huntress' takes on invasive snakes in the Everglades
Amy Siewe, a professional python hunter, inspects dyed skins of Florida's invasive Burmese python species at her home in Naples, Florida, U.S. June 6, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello A photo of Amy Siewe, a professional hunter of Florida's invasive Burmese python species, and a python skull are displayed at her home in Naples, Florida, U.S. June 6, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello Amy Siewe, a professional python hunter, inspects dyed skins of Florida's invasive Burmese python species at her home in Naples, Florida, U.S. June 6, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello OCHOPEE, Florida - Amy Siewe was a successful real estate agent -- but her life changed after she captured her first python in Florida's Everglades. "I just had this fascination with snakes. So when I learned that there was a python problem here in Florida ... I went on a hunt, I caught a nine-foot (2.75-meter) python, and that was it. I was hooked!" she said. Within two months she had sold her business in Indiana and moved to Florida to become a python hunter. Now, with more than 600 dead pythons under her belt, she is known as the "Python Huntress" -- one of a handful of women amongst hundreds of men hunting the invasive Burmese python in Florida's Everglades wetland ecosystem. "This python is about 10 feet (3 meters) long," she says as she wrestles a snake she has just captured in the tall grass in the middle of the night. "It's probably about three years old, and to date it's eaten about 200 of our native animals, including mammals and birds." Burmese pythons have been spreading through the Everglades National Park since Hurricane Andrew in 1992 destroyed a breeding facility for the pet trade, freeing some 900 snakes. Originally native to Southeast Asia, the python can grow up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) long and has a voracious appetite, consuming the local wildlife, including mammals, birds and even alligators. The Everglades is a unique subtropical ecosystem, with the largest continuous mangrove ecosystem in the Western Hemisphere. It is home to a vast array of unique species, including the endangered Florida panther, the American alligator and the American crocodile. But it provides no natural predators to the Burmese python, allowing the population of the invasive species to balloon. Scientists have noted dramatic declines in raccoons, opossums, bobcats, and rabbits in the region. "There's an estimated 500,000 pythons out there," Siewe said. The pythons, which are hunted by night, cannot legally be transported alive, so they are killed on site after being captured and measured. Once home, Siewe skins the dead snakes, and then has the skins professionally tanned into leather to be made into purses, wallets, watch bands and other goods. It takes an average of 12 hours to catch one. "So it's not that effective, right," she admits. "We're always going to have pythons in Florida. What we're trying to do is figure out how to decrease their numbers. Hunting right now is the most effective tool that we have." REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Reuters
10-06-2025
- General
- Reuters
'Python Huntress' takes on invasive snakes in the Everglades
OCHOPEE, Florida, June 10 (Reuters) - Amy Siewe was a successful real estate agent -- but her life changed after she captured her first python in Florida's Everglades. "I just had this fascination with snakes. So when I learned that there was a python problem here in Florida ... I went on a hunt, I caught a nine-foot (2.75-meter) python, and that was it. I was hooked!" she said. Within two months she had sold her business in Indiana and moved to Florida to become a python hunter. Now, with more than 600 dead pythons under her belt, she is known as the "Python Huntress" -- one of a handful of women amongst hundreds of men hunting the invasive Burmese python in Florida's Everglades wetland ecosystem. "This python is about 10 feet (3 meters) long," she says as she wrestles a snake she has just captured in the tall grass in the middle of the night. "It's probably about three years old, and to date it's eaten about 200 of our native animals, including mammals and birds." Burmese pythons have been spreading through the Everglades National Park since Hurricane Andrew in 1992 destroyed a breeding facility for the pet trade, freeing some 900 snakes. Originally native to Southeast Asia, the python can grow up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) long and has a voracious appetite, consuming the local wildlife, including mammals, birds and even alligators. The Everglades is a unique subtropical ecosystem, with the largest continuous mangrove ecosystem in the Western Hemisphere. It is home to a vast array of unique species, including the endangered Florida panther, the American alligator and the American crocodile. But it provides no natural predators to the Burmese python, allowing the population of the invasive species to balloon. Scientists have noted dramatic declines in raccoons, opossums, bobcats, and rabbits in the region. "There's an estimated 500,000 pythons out there," Siewe said. The pythons, which are hunted by night, cannot legally be transported alive, so they are killed on site after being captured and measured. Once home, Siewe skins the dead snakes, and then has the skins professionally tanned into leather to be made into purses, wallets, watch bands and other goods. It takes an average of 12 hours to catch one. "So it's not that effective, right," she admits. "We're always going to have pythons in Florida. What we're trying to do is figure out how to decrease their numbers. Hunting right now is the most effective tool that we have."
Associated Press
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
From Swamps to Highways: Python Huntress Amy Siewe & Renowned Tire Maker Kenda Unite to Safeguard Florida's Ecosystem
REYNOLDSBURG, OH, UNITED STATES, May 23, 2025 / / -- As crazy as it sounds, Florida has a Burmese python population invasion, and more than 500,000 of these apex predators have destroyed the state's ecosystem. With nearly 98% of local mammal species wiped out. Through her partnership with leading tire manufacturer Kenda, and in support of National Trailer Safety Week (June 1–7, 2025), wildlife conservation advocate Amy Siewe emphasizes the critical role that the right tires and wheels play in tackling Florida's toughest terrain and shares her top tips for safe towing. Just like python hunting, towing requires precision and planning; the smallest mistake could lead to delays or worse. Amy also shares how she traded her 9-to-5 career in real estate to become a full-time Python Huntress. Amy has years of experience hauling boats, trailers, and heavy gear through unpredictable backcountry and makes her advice a must for anyone hitting the road for adventure. Having captured over 600 Burmese pythons—including a massive 17-foot, 110-pound snake—she knows firsthand that reliability and performance are non-negotiable when the mission is intense. For more information, please visit Kim Besst Kenda email us here Visit us on social media: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
