Python Cowboy

Date: 2023-08-11 | Duration: 1h 58m

Episode Overview

The episode features a deep dive into the invasive Burmese python crisis in Florida’s Everglades, led by a seasoned python hunter known as the Python Cowboy. He shares vivid accounts of encountering massive pythons—some over 14 feet long—and the dangers involved, including venomous secretions and aggressive strikes during captures. The conversation highlights the elusive nature of these snakes and the challenges in controlling their rapidly growing population, which experts estimate to number around half a million or more in the region. The Python Cowboy describes his hands-on approach, using dogs and specialized equipment to track and remove pythons, emphasizing the need for better access and public involvement in mitigation efforts. Beyond pythons, the discussion touches on broader ecological concerns, such as the impact of invasive iguanas and the deteriorating water quality in the Everglades caused by human activity and mismanagement. The guest critiques current state policies and the limited success of public python removal tournaments, advocating for more aggressive and innovative strategies to protect native wildlife. He also recounts eerie experiences in the Everglades, including strange ritualistic sites and the harsh realities of working in such a remote, wild environment. The episode offers a rare, firsthand perspective on the ongoing battle to preserve one of America’s most unique ecosystems.

About Python Cowboy

Mike "Python Cowboy" Kimmel is a licensed wildlife trapper renowned for his expertise in managing invasive and dangerous species, particularly in the Florida Everglades. As the owner of Martin County Trapping and Wildlife Rescue, he has gained national recognition for his successful efforts in controlling the invasive Burmese python population, a significant threat to the region's ecosystem. With a deep passion for wildlife conservation and a commitment to public safety, Kimmel's adventurous and hands-on approach to trapping has made him a standout figure in the field. His unique blend of humor and dedication to environmental stewardship has captivated audiences, including listeners of the Joe Rogan Experience, where he shares his thrilling experiences in the wild. For more on his work and initiatives, visit www.pythoncowboy.com.

Key Moments

– Invasive Pythons
– Everglades Wildlife
– Python Hunting Techniques
– Venomous Snakes
– Wildlife Conservation
– Environmental Impact
– Python Population Control
– Reptile Biology
– Exotic Pet Trade
– Wildlife Rescue
– Python Nesting Behavior
– Airboat Use
– Wildlife Detection Dogs
– Habitat Preservation
– Florida Ecosystem
– Python Meat Consumption
– Illegal Wildlife Dumping
– Public Education
– Python Removal Tournaments
0:00:58 – Estimate of 500,000 Pythons in Everglades
0:02:04 – Discussion on Python Attacks on Wildlife
0:04:10 – Encounter with a Python Outside Tent
0:06:58 – Explanation of Venomous Snakes and Toxins
0:09:58 – Personal Experience with Venomous Bite
0:12:29 – Exploring Spoil Islands by John Boat
0:14:45 – Tactics to Agitate a Python to Strike
0:17:01 – Description of Python Strike and Injuries
0:20:26 – Managing Bleeding and Collecting Self After Bite
0:22:17 – Using Cameras to Document Python Encounter
0:23:59 – Comparing Alligator and Python Encounters
0:25:38 – Discussion on Invasive Species Beyond Pythons
0:30:25 – Issues with Pet Dumping and Wildlife Euthanasia
0:33:35 – Acknowledgment That Pythons Are Here to Stay
0:34:40 – Legal Restrictions on Intervening with Pythons
0:38:25 – Environmental Threats to Everglades
0:46:52 – Official Efforts to Mitigate Python Population
0:47:36 – Python Removal Tournaments and Public Participation
0:52:06 – Using Dogs to Locate Pythons
0:56:27 – Discovery of Large Python Nest with Eggs
0:59:20 – Cooking and Eating Python Meat
1:01:43 – Iguana Population and Breeding Behavior
1:06:23 – Active Python Hunting with Guns and Dogs
1:11:57 – Budget Challenges for Iguana Control
1:14:50 – Future Challenges in Wildlife Management
1:18:19 – Finding Dumped Animals and Police Investigation
1:24:15 – Satanic Rituals and Strange Discoveries in Everglades
1:33:13 – Reference to Movie 'Southern Comfort'
1:36:51 – Airboat Use for Wildlife Management
1:41:57 – Ongoing Battle Over Everglades Access
1:43:00 – Impact of Pythons on Native Species
1:46:16 – Need for New Technologies to Manage Pythons
1:48:32 – Advantages of Using Dogs Over Drones
1:50:26 – Call for Public Involvement in Python Control
1:53:08 – Contact Information for Python Removal Efforts
1:53:35 – Funding Python Removal Through Merchandise Sales

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 the joe rogan experience train by day joe rogan podcast by night all day Starting point is 00:00:58 estimate of 500 000 pythons in the Everglades? Could be more. Starting point is 00:01:18 That's the thing. Starting point is 00:02:04 Attacking not so much wildlife, Starting point is 00:02:52 um so sightings are rare but that's just because it's a very elusive animal um and they're out in Starting point is 00:03:33 But he still gets attacked. Starting point is 00:04:10 And I pop out of my tent with my shotgun and my flashlight. Starting point is 00:04:50 oh my god i pop out of my tent and nothing's there nothing not a thing so only thing it could Starting point is 00:05:34 pumpkin it was a big male like I've seen cats before I've seen small ones like I Starting point is 00:05:57 And that's it. Starting point is 00:06:36 Yeah. Starting point is 00:06:58 Yeah, they're venomous, actually. Starting point is 00:07:26 It's like there's a word. Starting point is 00:07:54 this secretion when it is injured scared or provoked and what does the toxin do Starting point is 00:08:39 can be dangerous however it may cause muscle weakness rapid heart rate and vomiting Starting point is 00:09:32 I'm like, Jesus, Louisa. Starting point is 00:09:58 you cease to exist it's the only experience I've ever had where you cease to exist when you take Starting point is 00:10:18 as well. They're all just Starting point is 00:10:29 these fucking people Starting point is 00:10:38 but Starting point is 00:10:47 Oh, yeah. Starting point is 00:10:59 There's so many Instagram pages and Twitter pages dedicated to people in Florida doing Starting point is 00:11:17 I need to see it because I purposely didn't look. Starting point is 00:12:29 my 14-foot John boat by myself, and I was checking spoil islands out there. These islands were dug maybe 100 years ago or more when they dug the canal. They were made 100 years ago when they Starting point is 00:13:26 these animals, confiden...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #2020?

Python Cowboy was the guest on JRE #2020. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #2020?

On Joe Rogan Experience #2020 with Python Cowboy, topics include Invasive Pythons, Everglades Wildlife, Python Hunting Techniques, and Venomous Snakes.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #2020?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #2020 with Python Cowboy is on the dedicated transcript page for this episode, with timestamps and in-page search.