Pythons have a tremendous impact on native Florida wildlife. Burmese pythons established themselves in Florida as a result of escaped or released pets and were first discovered in the Everglades nearly two decades ago. They have become the Everglades’ top predator, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Despite becoming a problem in South Florida, pythons are majestic animals,” said the 58-year-old hunter. “A snake of that size is terrifying because you know that pythons of that size have eaten people,” she said.