The document discusses the environmental impact of invasive species in the Florida Everglades. It notes that many people release unwanted exotic pets like snakes, turtles, and birds into the Everglades, not realizing this can harm the native environment. Two invasive species that are flourishing are the Burmese python and green anaconda, which prey on native animals. Releasing non-native species can introduce new diseases and have devastating ecological consequences. While some introduced species may not establish or cause harm, it is important for environmental and legal reasons not to release exotic pets into the wild.

1. Environmental Impact of Invasive
Species on The Florida Everglades
Composition II.
April 4, 2013

2. Why are nonnative, invasive species harmful to
Florida’s natural environment?

3. Thesis
 Although much of the environment that we have
come to know today has developed from the
introduction of invasive species, it may be
beneficial for Florida’s Parks and Recreation
Department to spread the word about the need to
control invasive species that are harming the
present environment.

4. Many people release their unwanted exotic pets into the
Florida Everglades.

5. Many people think that the Florida Everglades is a
perfect place to release exotic pets like snakes, turtles
and birds, since many of the native species are similar
to these former pets.

6. People also believe that releasing their unwanted pets won’t
have any impact on the environment, let alone a negative
impact.

7. Releasing nonnative species into any environment can have
devastating consequences.

8. The anaconda is a nonnative species that is flourishing
in the Florida Everglades.

9. The Anaconda
 In the case of the anaconda, this ferocious
predator preys on just about everything in the
Florida Everglades.
 The animals of the Florida Everglades are not
adapted to deal with this kind of predator who has
even been known to take down alligators.

10. Other examples
 Besides the Burmese Python, the release of other
pets can also be potentially dangerous.
 Releasing captive turtles into the wild is known to
have harmful effects on the endangered Gopher
Tortoise, by introducing new diseases to the
native tortoises.

11. Some of these nonnative species can cause health or
safety concerns for people as well.

12. Common Ground
 Many nonnative, invasive species are not all that
harmful to the native wildlife or are even able to
establish themselves.
 That said, it is important to remember that some
invasive species can be quiet harmful to native
species such as pythons and pet turtles.

13. It is important not to release your unwanted exotic pets
into the wild, regardless of whether or not you feel it
could impact the Florida Everglades.

14. It is illegal to release exotic pets into the wild, but not
everyone knows this. It is important to spread the word
and educate others on nothing else if not the legality of
such actions.

15. There are many organizations that are willing to take in
exotic pets and you can always contact the local Parks
and Recreation Department with any questions.

16. Works Cited
"Exotic Information." Exotic Information.Web. 04
Apr. 2013.
"Update on the Environmental and Economic Costs
Associated with Alien-invasive Species in the
United States.” Web. 04 Apr. 2013.