Natural Resources authorizes the hunting “without limit of quantities” of five species of exotic snakes

This action by the DRNA occurs just after citizens documented, on social networks, their encounters with large exotic snakes, particularly with reticulated pythons, which, according to consulted experts, could be an indication of their expansion throughout the island.

The reticulated python –the largest snake in the world– would have been illegally released years ago in Puerto Rico. “It is an extremely dangerous snake”summarized the sergeant Angel Atienzadirector of the Wildlife Unit of the Vigilante Corps of the DRNA.

In interview with The new dayAtienza highlighted that the Vigilante Corps has been monitoring cases of invasive snakes for almost two years. “What we’re trying to do is get to those pythons before the pythons get to the houses.”said.

The Vigilante Corps is divided into seven regions: San Juan, Arecibo, Guayama, Aguadilla, Mayagüez, Ponce and Humacao and, according to the official, the first three are seeing an increase in reticulated pythons. To respond appropriately to these cases, the guards are trained in the management of dangerous animals. He added that, in the affected regions, also Training has been given to police and emergency officials.

He acknowledged, however, that, in addition to training, specific instruments – such as tongs, hooks and bags – are needed to safely capture snakes.

On the scientific side, researchers like Dr. Alberto Puente Rolónassociate professor and director of the Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Laboratory in the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez University Campusseek data that will help optimize the government’s response to the apparent proliferation of exotic snakes and their effects.

“We have to centralize the information because, right now, without statistics, we are hitting the piñata blindfolded”said Puente Rolón, who, to study the snakes on the island, receives specimens captured by authorized citizens.

Once received, he explained, the snakes are sacrificed through the injection and freezing process. Next, she performs a “post-mortem” analysis, which includes measurements of size, sex, reproductive status and stomach contents.

Stomach contents help identify, for example, what snakes are eating to better understand their impact on native species. Likewise, studying your weight and size, in addition to diet, can reflect your growth capacity. “The healthier or more nourished they are, the more ready they are to grow”he highlighted.

Puente Rolón’s preliminary studies, specifically with reticulated pythons, suggest that they are healthy and have enough food available to continue growing and procreating. The presence of wild pigs on the island is an aggravating factor, as they are part of the diet of these pythons, which could then expand to new areas.

Without any natural predator in Puerto Rico, Reticulated pythons – and other species of exotic snakes – have the possibility of proliferating and expanding to more regions, warned the expert. For this reason, Atienza added, it is important to know where they are and where they are moving, a task that, however, is difficult, since “many times a person takes it, does not say where he took it, and hands it over.”

Puente Rolón maintained, meanwhile, that more resources are needed both to capture and study the snakes. “Then, perhaps, the government should put more resources, invest more in education”he stated, clarifying that he has not received funds or other support to analyze the recent increase in these reptiles.

Those interviewed agreed that the increasing presence of invasive snakes has important impacts on native species, such as the Puerto Rican boa and the racer snake. “It has repercussions on the environment, on the food, on what they are removing from the system”indicated Puente Rolón.

He explained that, in addition to competing for the same food, invasive snakes can introduce new parasites and viruses to animals of the island. In the case of the red-tailed boa – another invasive species – there is already evidence of foreign viruses, which could be adverse to native snakes.

According to Administrative Order 2024-05, to catch the aforementioned five species, hunters will use their “registered weapons”but “only during the hunting seasons for pigeons and turtledoves, waterfowl, goats and pigs, and during the hunting operation in the hunting reserves,” according to Regulation 6765 of the DNER.

“At no time should they transport live snakes if they do not have a valid permit for this, granted by the DRNA,” reads the order, which also requires hunters to carry their license.

Regarding people without a sports license, it establishes that They will only be able to hunt snakes with “pneumatic rifles” after obtaining permission of the agency, which will not be transferable and may be suspended or denied, like licenses, at any time.

The permit or license could be lost if, for example, the hunt is not carried out “in the way in which the animal suffers the least”, for which the euthanasia methods established in the Law for the Welfare and Protection of Animals must be followed. Animals (Law 154 of 2008) and the guidelines of the American Veterinary Medical Association. In emergency situations, Law 154 of 2008 allows giving a “killing shot” to an animal.

For citizens who encounter these snakes, Atienza recommended calling the DRNA Vigilante Corps, at (787) 999-2200, extension 2911. Although there is no penalty for killing invasive species, they are animals that can cause considerable harm to a person, and there is also the possibility of accidentally killing a native snake..

“Education is essential, because the snakes in Puerto Rico are protected and, if you kill a snake in Puerto Rico, that can have repercussions,” he warned.

To amplify the educational message, DRNA is using various sources, such as brochures and media interviews, to explain the difference between native and invasive species. The recently signed administrative order even mentions that hunters must ensure that they do not kill native species and that “they will have full responsibility for any damage that arises as a result of their hunting activities”.

In Indonesia, the native land of reticulated pythons, hunters help keep their populations in control. Meanwhile, in the state of floridasimilar methods are being used and they have even brought hunters from the India to help control the spread of this species.

Atienza stressed, finally, the importance of citizen support and participation in this effort. “It is essential,” he declared. “Without the help of people, it is very difficult to put (a plan) into operation,” he added, after insisting on his recommendation that “no one ever tries to catch them. “We are dealing with a snake that can kill a person.”.

Anyone who needs to communicate with the DRNA Vigilante Corps, you can call (787) 999-2200, ext. 2911.

How to identify a reticulated python?

Source: Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Laboratory (UPR-Mayagüez)