In today's podcast episode, we're diving into the world of python hunting in the Florida Everglades - a crucial mission to protect the region's wildlife from the invasive snake population that poses a threat to endangered species and other animals....
In today's podcast episode, we're diving into the world of python hunting in the Florida Everglades - a crucial mission to protect the region's wildlife from the invasive snake population that poses a threat to endangered species and other animals. With a vast number of pythons freely roaming the Everglades, it has become imperative to control their population growth. Join us as we chat with Amy Siewe, also known as the Python Huntress, who will take us on her extraordinary journey from real estate agent to python hunter in Florida. We'll explore the challenges of python hunting, Amy's most thrilling encounters, and how you can contribute to the fight against this ecological menace.
Discover more about Amy Siewe and her remarkable work at www.pythonhuntress.com.
To participate in the Florida Python Challenge, visit flpythonchallenge.org and join the effort to make a difference.
Python Huntress
I am a Professional Python Hunter, contracted by the South Florida Water Management District to capture and euthanize the invasive Burmese Pythons that are now the apex predators in South Florida and decimating the mammal and bird populations.
My fascination with snakes started when my dad took me to a creek as a kid and taught me how to catch all kinds of critters. I caught my first snake and it has been my passion ever since.
In 2019 I learned of the python problem in Florida. I took a vacation to go on a hunt and I caught one. I was hooked. In less than two months I dropped my life and successful 13 year real estate career to move to Florida to become a python hunter. Because I’m not afraid of pythons and I have years of experience with them, I figured this was a great opportunity to use my passion to actually make a difference in the world.
I love snakes and I hate that we have to kill them, but there is no other way. I have made it my mission to figure out how to use as much of the python as possible. I skin them, have them professionally tanned, and make the ONLY Apple watch bands in the WORLD that are made of invasive python skin. If they can’t be a part of our natural world, at least their existence can be honored.
I have caught over 300 pythons, won 2nd place in the 2019 Python Bowl, and have been featured on the news, podcasts, magazine articles, and documentaries. My biggest one was 17'3, 110 pounds, and I caught her by myself! I donate python hunts in auctions to raise money for charities, and to date have raised $285,400.