Deadly invaders: Pythons overrun the Everglades

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Non-native Burmese pythons are the likely cause of a massive mammal decline in Florida's Everglades. Researchers found a strong link between the spread of pythons and drops in recorded sightings of racoons, rabbits, bobcats and other species.

Snake hunter Dave Leivman, of Weston, Fla., shows a nine-foot python he hunted last Monday, in the Everglades, Fla., Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012. Secetary of Interior Ken Salazar announced the ban on importation and interstate transportation of four giant snakes that threaten the Everglades. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar, right, Ron Bergeron, second from left, of the Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service Supervisor Ranger Al Mercado, second from left, and Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., left,hold a 13-foot python in the Everglades, Fla., Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012. Salazar announced the ban on importation and interstate transportation of four giant snakes that threaten the Everglades. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

In this 2009 photo provided by the University of Florida a researcher holds a Burmese python near her nest in Everglades National Park, Fla. The National Academy of Science report released Monday, Jan. 30, 2012, indicates that the proliferation of pythons coincides with a sharp decrease of mammals in the park. (AP Photo/ University of Florida, Jemeema Carrigan)

In this 2009 photo provided by the National Park Service, a Burmese python is wrapped around an American alligator in Everglades National Park, Fla. The National Academy of Science report released Monday, Jan. 30, 2012, indicates that the proliferation of pythons coincides with a sharp decrease of mammals in the park. (AP Photo/National Park Service, Lori Oberhofer)

In this November 14, 2009 photo provided by the University of Florida, University of Florida researchers hold a 162-pound Burmese python captured in Everglades National Park, Fla. Therese Walters, left, Alex Wolf and Michael R. Rochford, right, are holding the 15-foot snake shortly after the python ate a six-foot American alligator. The National Academy of Science report released Monday, Jan. 30, 2012, indicates that the proliferation of pythons coincides with a sharp decrease of mammals in the park. (AP Photo/ University of Florida, Michael R. Rochford)

Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar, helps National Park Rangers as they prepare to put a 13-foot python in a bag in the Everglades, Fla., Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012. Salazar announced the ban on importation and interstate transportation of four giant snakes that threaten the Everglades. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

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Snake hunter Dave Leivman, of Weston, Fla., shows a nine-foot python he hunted last Monday, in the Everglades, Fla., Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012. Secetary of Interior Ken Salazar announced the ban on importation and interstate transportation of four giant snakes that threaten the Everglades. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

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