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Kym Clark

@kym_clark

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Burmese Pythons must be removed from the Everglades and humanely euthanized in a two-step process. Step one is rendering them unconscious; my choice for this is a Gamo .22 air rifle. Step two is pithing the brain with a sharp tool. I always have mixed feelings about this, but try to think about it in a logical manner rather than an emotional way. Euthanizing one Burmese Python saves thousands of native wildlife. It’s a bittersweet win for Florida’s ecosystem. Please never release non-native species into the wild. #swamp #herping #herpingtheglobe #ig #instagram #pythonchallenge2024 #reptiles #florida #burmesepython #gogamo #swamplife #livingmybestlife #southflorida #photooftheday #ecosystem #pythons #python #burmesepythons #wildlife #reptile #reelsinstagram #pythonchallenge #everglades #snake #snakes #invasivespecies #explorepage #explore #snakesofinstagram #reptilelover @worldshares taken in Everglades, Florida by @kym_clark

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3 years ago

To kick off Florida’s Python Challenge week, I am modeling a 9-foot male Burmese Python removed from the Everglades by my python hunting partner last weekend. Do it for our ecosystem! It’s a critical mission. #swamp #herping #herpingtheglobe #ig #instagram #pythonchallenge2024 #reptiles #florida #burmesepython #livingmybestlife #swamplife #naturelover #southflorida #photooftheday #ecosystem #pythons #python #burmesepythons #wildlife #reptile #reelsinstagram #pythonchallenge #everglades #snake #snakes #invasivespecies #explorepage #explore #snakesofinstagram #reptilelover @worldshares taken in Everglades, Florida by @kym_clark

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3 years ago

I am pleased to report that there are two less Burmese Pythons in the Everglades as of this weekend. I am admiring this small python (a female yearling) before saying a bitter-sweet farewell to it. As an animal lover, I do find these snakes to be incredibly beautiful, but as a Floridian, I have no doubt that eradicating pythons is the right thing to do for Florida’s ecosystem, as they are causing a critical state of emergency. This is crystal clear to me when it’s easier to find pythons than small land mammals in areas of the Everglades in which wildlife used to be abundant. It’s unfortunate that eradication is now a necessity, a price paid by innocent pythons due to a problem created by irresponsible humans releasing exotic pets into the wild.

Florida has an Exotic Pet Amnesty Program; to report or relinquish non-native/invasive species, or if adequate care can no longer be given to an exotic pet, please contact: PetAmnesty@MyFWC.com or 888-Ive-Got1 (483-4681)! Some exotic pets are re-homed.

I spotted this Burmese Python but would like to thank and give photo credits to my experienced python hunting partner for quickly grabbing it. Please note that capturing pythons can be dangerous and caution should be taken.

#swamp #herping #herpingtheglobe #ig #instagram #photooftheday #reptiles #florida #burmesepython #nature #swamplife #livingmybestlife #southflorida #swampthing #ecosystem #pythons #python #burmesepythons #wildlife #reptile #reelsinstagram #pythonchallenge #pythonchallenge2024 #snake #snakes #invasivespecies #explorepage #explore #snakesofinstagram #reptilelover @worldshares taken in Everglades, Florida by @kym_clark

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3 years ago

taken in Everglades, Florida by @kym_clark

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Bagging pythons is what I do. Why? Every invasive Burmese python removed is one less predator putting pressure on Florida’s native wildlife. Over the course of its lifetime, a single python can consume hundreds of native animals, making every removal a meaningful victory for conservation.

In these photos, I’m delivering a Burmese python to be officially checked in for the 2026 Florida Python Challenge at the Everglades Holiday Park check station. The Florida Python Challenge is a 10-day event where hundreds of participants join forces to remove as many invasive Burmese pythons as possible from Florida’s Everglades to help protect our native wildlife. We always double bag the pythons we remove, but this time I triple bagged it by using my favorite bag of all—an Ideal Nutrition insulated bag! 😂🐍🤷🏻‍♀️

One of the things I love most about Ideal Nutrition is that the fresh, nutritious, pre-prepared meals give me more time to spend in the field instead of in the kitchen. Less time grocery shopping, meal prepping, and cooking means more time doing what I love—helping protect Florida’s native wildlife.

The meals are fantastic, but honestly, the insulated bags are an unexpected bonus. If you know me, you already know I reuse these bags for just about everything. Ask any of my friends—there’s probably not a single trip where they don’t see me carrying one.

Whether I’m transporting field gear, keeping drinks cold, carrying supplies, or transporting a python to check-in, these bags just keep getting the job done.

I guess repurposing things is just part of who I am. I even repurpose the skin from the invasive Burmese pythons I ethically remove from Florida’s Everglades, transforming it into handcrafted jewelry and adjustable concho hat bands as another way to tell the conservation story behind every python removed. Some of those pieces can even be found in the Everglades Holiday Park gift shop, as well as in other local gift shops.

#FloridaPythonChallenge #Everglades #Conservation #InvasiveSpecies #IdealNutritionNow taken in Everglades Holiday Park by @kym_clark

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2 days ago

Named for its distinctive call, which sounds surprisingly like the grunt of a pig, this impressive frog is a common resident of Florida’s marshes and wetlands. One of its most noticeable features is the enormous tympanum (eardrum) behind each eye, which helps it detect the calls of other frogs and remain alert to predators.

Pig frogs are an important part of the Everglades ecosystem. As both predator and prey, they help keep insect populations in check while also providing food for wading birds, snakes, alligators, otters, and other native wildlife. Because amphibians absorb water through their skin, they’re also sensitive to changes in water quality, making them valuable indicators of a healthy wetland.

#Everglades #PigFrog #FloridaWildlife #NativeWildlife #Conservation taken in Everglades, Florida by @kym_clark

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4 days ago

This beautiful Florida scarlet snake was making its way across a dirt road during the Florida Python Challenge, so we stopped to safely move him out of harm’s way.

With so many hunters using the roads during the Florida Python Challenge, there was much more traffic than usual, making it especially important to help this little native snake safely get off the road before he was accidentally run over.

I could have admired this little guy all night. Instead, we made sure he made it safely off the road so he could continue on his way. Native wildlife like this is exactly why we spend long nights searching for invasive Burmese pythons. Whenever we’re out python hunting, we always move native snakes off the road whenever it’s safe to do so. Removing invasive species is only part of the job. We also have a responsibility to protect Florida’s native wildlife whenever we can, because that’s the entire reason we’re out there removing invasive Burmese pythons in the first place.

Florida scarlet snakes are often mistaken for scarlet kingsnakes because they look remarkably alike. In the video, we point out a few of the easiest ways to tell them apart. Florida scarlet snakes have red saddles that don’t completely wrap around their bodies and a plain white belly. Scarlet kingsnakes, on the other hand, have complete red bands that encircle the body.

Interestingly, both species also resemble the eastern coral snake, which is highly venomous. While Florida scarlet snakes and scarlet kingsnakes are completely nonvenomous, the eastern coral snake is highly venomous. Learning the differences between these species is an important part of enjoying Florida’s wildlife safely, and if you’re ever unsure of a snake’s identity, the safest approach is to admire it from a distance and avoid handling it.

You stay safe tonight, little mister. ❤️🐍

#FloridaPythonChallenge #FloridaWildlife #ScarletSnake #Snake #Conservation taken in Everglades, Florida by @kym_clark

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6 days ago

I may have missed World Snake Day yesterday, but I had a pretty good excuse—I was out participating in the Florida Python Challenge, searching for invasive Burmese pythons to remove from our ecosystem to help protect our native wildlife. Every day is snake day in my world.

Despite being a day late, I wanted to share one of my all-time favorite native snake sightings—one worth celebrating all year long.

There are some wildlife encounters you expect when you spend as much time outdoors as I do—and then there are those unexpected moments that stop you in your tracks. Seeing a Florida pine snake is definitely one of those moments.

Florida natives, pine snakes are a rare sight, in part because of habitat loss and their secretive, burrowing lifestyle. They are listed as a state-designated Threatened species in Florida, which makes every encounter with one incredibly special. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have had two Florida pine snake sightings in one year and to have been able to spend time photographing these beautiful reptiles.

Pine snakes are among Florida’s largest native snakes, reaching up to about 7 feet in length. As impressive as that sounds, it also puts the size of invasive Burmese pythons into perspective. A mature pine snake can be similar in length to a relatively young Burmese python, while the largest Burmese pythons found in Florida can grow to up to 20 feet in length.

Protect and respect our native snakes. Removing invasives saves natives.

Happy belated World Snake Day!

#WorldSnakeDay #FloridaPineSnake #FloridaWildlife #NativeSnakes #Conservation taken in Florida, USA by @kym_clark

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8 days ago

My pretty little poison.

They sure are beautiful, and if I could, I’d keep every one of them. But Burmese pythons are a prohibited invasive species in Florida and simply don’t belong in our native ecosystem. In Florida, it is illegal to keep Burmese pythons as pets, transport them without the appropriate permits, or release them into the wild.

As beautiful as they are, these invasive snakes have no natural predators here, reproduce rapidly, and prey on a wide variety of native wildlife—from rabbits and raccoons to wading birds, deer, alligators, and even threatened species, including the American crocodile and the endangered Key Largo woodrat. Their impact has dramatically altered parts of the Everglades food web.

Every year, Florida holds its annual Python Challenge, a 10-day competition focused on removing as many invasive Burmese pythons as possible. I participate annually because helping reduce their numbers is one way we can protect Florida’s native wildlife while bringing attention to the devastating impact these invasive constrictors have on our ecosystems. Every invasive Burmese python removed is one less predator putting pressure on Florida’s native species.

Non-native animals should never be released into the wild. Even species that seem harmless can establish breeding populations, disrupt ecosystems, spread disease, and negatively impact native wildlife. If you can no longer care for an exotic pet, there are responsible alternatives—but releasing it into the environment should never be one of them.

Out in the field I’m wearing Swamper Supply’s Critter Camo shirt, Critter Camo deck boots, and the Python Hunter hat from their conservation clothing line—gear that has become part of my Everglades adventures. You can find them at @swampersupplyco.

A special thank you to Swamper Supply for supporting conservation efforts and helping raise awareness about the importance of removing invasive Burmese pythons to protect Florida’s native wildlife.

Removing invasives saves natives. 🐍💚

#BurmesePython #PythonChallenge #Everglades #InvasiveSpecies #Conservation taken in Everglades, Florida by @kym_clark

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9 days ago

Before we headed out to participate in the Python Challenge, Randi’s son sent his stuffed dragon with us for good luck, hoping it would help her catch her very first Burmese python. In many cultures, dragons have long been symbols of good fortune, strength, and protection.

Whether it was luck, determination, or a little bit of both, it made for a memory none of us will forget. And the icing on the cake? This wasn’t just a personal milestone for Randi. Removing invasives saves natives. Every invasive Burmese python removed helps protect Florida’s native wildlife—the very reason we were out there. These snakes reproduce rapidly and have caused dramatic declines in mammal populations throughout the Everglades, with some species becoming locally rare or disappearing from certain areas. Every removal is a win for Florida’s native species and the habitats we’re working to protect.

Congratulations, Randi, on your first python—and thank you to Zachary and one very lucky little dragon. 🐍🐉

#PythonChallenge #Everglades #InvasiveSpecies #Conservation #FloridaWildlife taken in Everglades, Florida by @kym_clark

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10 days ago

As darkness falls, water moccasins (also known as cottonmouths) become increasingly active, moving through wetlands, along levees, and across roads in search of prey. With their muscular bodies and confident movements, they are impressive animals to encounter in the wild.

Despite their reputation, venomous water moccasins are not aggressive snakes. Like most wildlife, they prefer to avoid conflict and will typically move away if given the opportunity. Their famous defensive display—opening their mouths to reveal the bright white interior that gives them the name “cottonmouth”—is a warning meant to discourage threats rather than invite a confrontation.

#FloridaEverglades #WaterMoccasin #Cottonmouth #Conservation #Snake taken in Everglades, Florida by @kym_clark

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12 days ago

The other day, I walked into the Everglades wearing regular clothes… and somehow walked out wearing a custom ghillie suit. 🌿😂

Apparently, the swamp decided I wasn’t camouflaged enough. Python hunting may not be glamorous, but it’s never boring!
It’s all part of the adventure. And, yes, I was also covered in mosquitoes! 🦟

#PythonHunter #Everglades #SwampLife #BehindTheScenes #Conservation taken in Everglades, Florida by @kym_clark

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13 days ago