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Tracking Pythons: The Quest to Catch an Invasive Predator and Save an Ecosystem
Burmese pythons are native to Southeast Asia, so when one showed up dead along the side of a Florida highway in 1979, scientists wondered where it came from. No one knew the snakes had launched a full-scale invasion. Pet pythons that escaped or were released by their owners started breeding in the wild, and these enormous predators began eating every animal in their path. Today a group of scientists at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida is tracking Burmese pythons to find ways to stop their spread. Page Plus links lead to video clips and photos of the scientists working in the field. Delve into the science of pythons and their role as invasive predators.
64 pages, ebook
First published March 3, 2020
9 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Kate Messner
130 books1,647 followersKate Messner is an award-winning author, TED 2012 speaker, and former middle school English teacher. Her books for kids include THE BRILLIANT FALL OF GIANNA Z.,SUGAR AND ICE, and EYE OF THE STORM (Walker/Bloomsbury Dec. 2010) the MARTY MCGUIRE series (Scholastic), SEA MONSTER'S FIRST DAY, and OVER AND UNDER THE SNOW (Chronicle, Books). Kate also wrote SPITFIRE and CHAMPLAIN AND THE SILENT ONE, both Lake Champlain historical novels published by North Country Books.
Kate lives with her family on Lake Champlain, where she loves to read, write, hike, swing on birch trees, and eat chocolate. She also hangs out in various places online.
Visit Kate's website: http://www.katemessner.com
Find Kate on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/KateMessner
...or follow her on Twitter - @katemessner
Kate lives with her family on Lake Champlain, where she loves to read, write, hike, swing on birch trees, and eat chocolate. She also hangs out in various places online.
Visit Kate's website: http://www.katemessner.com
Find Kate on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/KateMessner
...or follow her on Twitter - @katemessner
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 19, 2020
I recently watched a documentary about the problems Florida has with Pythons. What started out as a few snakes in the late 70's has now blossomed into thousands, if not millions, of the large snakes causing havoc in the Florida ecosystem. This book explains the problem in an age appropriate manner for middle grade age children, with color photos and scannable QC codes that load supplemental videos and other information.
This book would be great supplemental reading for a science class or just for a fun, interactive reading experience. It is written for children, but as an adult I still enjoyed reading about the snakes, the problems they cause and what is being done to solve the problem.
Great book! Very enjoyable interactive reading experience!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Lerner Publishing. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
This book would be great supplemental reading for a science class or just for a fun, interactive reading experience. It is written for children, but as an adult I still enjoyed reading about the snakes, the problems they cause and what is being done to solve the problem.
Great book! Very enjoyable interactive reading experience!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Lerner Publishing. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
June 12, 2020
As a snake pet owner (2 corns, 1 ball python, and a 7'2 boa) I was skeptical about if Tracking Pythons would do justice to explaining the issues in Florida around Burmese Pythons without also demonizing them. Kate Messner has surprised me and done a great job of not only capturing the extensive ecosystem damage; but also ensuring that people understand this is not the fault of the snakes. They are just trying to survive. This problem is the fault of humans. We put the first Burmese there, as they are not native to Florida, and their destructive nature is just them trying to eat and live.
I also really liked that the scientists are profiled here. Both men and women from different backgrounds and with different reasons for being involved in the research and intervention that is happening in Florida. I think it's important for children to be able to see why people do the jobs they do; it can help them determine what their love and desire is (and not just give into societal or parental pressure).
The tales in this book are all sad. Tracking Pythons does show how dangerous and vicious Burmese Pythons can be; but Messner continues to point out that the snake is just being a snake. And I think that's super important as well. Poor snakes are a reptile with a bad reputation. They are often a common fear in people (which fair as many are venomous) and don't tend to play well with other mammals or reptiles (including many eating their own kind!). And yet they are fascinating, in my opinion, and some of the easiest and most docile pets you can own. My 7 foot + boa and I are snuggle buddies. Yeah I know he just likes the warmth but he's also so cute; and maybe one day will make an intruder think twice (lol).
It should be said though that there are necropsy pics, insertion of transmitters, and other (potentially) graphic photographs and procedures in Tracking Pythons. So if your child (or you) are squeamish or will be upset by how the snakes are treated, or that they are being captured and euthanized due to their ecosystem killing ways; then this is not the book for you. If you live in the Florida area, travel there, or have a child that loves snakes then this is a great, educational, engaging book.
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
I also really liked that the scientists are profiled here. Both men and women from different backgrounds and with different reasons for being involved in the research and intervention that is happening in Florida. I think it's important for children to be able to see why people do the jobs they do; it can help them determine what their love and desire is (and not just give into societal or parental pressure).
The tales in this book are all sad. Tracking Pythons does show how dangerous and vicious Burmese Pythons can be; but Messner continues to point out that the snake is just being a snake. And I think that's super important as well. Poor snakes are a reptile with a bad reputation. They are often a common fear in people (which fair as many are venomous) and don't tend to play well with other mammals or reptiles (including many eating their own kind!). And yet they are fascinating, in my opinion, and some of the easiest and most docile pets you can own. My 7 foot + boa and I are snuggle buddies. Yeah I know he just likes the warmth but he's also so cute; and maybe one day will make an intruder think twice (lol).
It should be said though that there are necropsy pics, insertion of transmitters, and other (potentially) graphic photographs and procedures in Tracking Pythons. So if your child (or you) are squeamish or will be upset by how the snakes are treated, or that they are being captured and euthanized due to their ecosystem killing ways; then this is not the book for you. If you live in the Florida area, travel there, or have a child that loves snakes then this is a great, educational, engaging book.
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
October 4, 2021
This book has the most amazing/horrifying python pictures and stories imaginable. We were mesmerized by it. Showed it to everyone who came over.
Bless the people brave enough to deal with snakes!!
Bless the people brave enough to deal with snakes!!
May 13, 2020
Read this one via Junior Library Guild’s site with my boys after anticipating the book for months. I will NEVER camp in southern Florida now that I am more informed about how well these snakes camouflage themselves, but it was absolutely fascinating.
May 8, 2021
I couldn’t put this one down! Can’t wait to use it in my science class next year!
March 12, 2020
Tracking Pythons: The Quest to Catch an Invasive Predator and Save an Ecosystem by Kate Messner is currently scheduled for release on March 3 2020. Burmese pythons are native to Southeast Asia, so when one showed up dead along the side of a Florida highway in 1979, scientists wondered where it came from. No one knew the snakes had launched a full-scale invasion. Pet pythons that escaped or were released by their owners started breeding in the wild, and these enormous predators began eating every animal in their path. Today a group of scientists at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida is tracking Burmese pythons to find ways to stop their spread. Page Plus links lead to video clips and photos of the scientists working in the field. Delve into the science of pythons and their role as invasive predators.
Tracking Pythons is a well researched and written book that offers readers a look at how delicate the balance in a ecosystem can be, and how something that seems small can cause extreme changes. Whether the first pythons in Florida were escaped or released pets, or stowaways, is less important than the studies and efforts to understand and control their impact on an area that is already facing environmental stress. I liked the conversational tone and the backgrounds stories for some of the scientists that are working on the problem, and the details of the field and lab work that can be involved. I think the combination gives readers a good look at what they might do if their find a career in the field. I really enjoyed getting to know more about the lengths that go into keeping the environment and the creatures in it, as healthy as possible despite the damage being done both intentionally and unintentionally by man. I really like the use of additional digital content for interested readers. So many kids have phones and tablets on hand, and leading them to reputable and interesting resources is a great way to keep their attention and encourage further research. I also liked the concises timeline for the python population, as well as the fact that the book included a glossary and page of resources for further reading. I found the book to be well done and accessible for interested readers.
Tracking Pythons is an interesting and engaging read and I think it would be a great addition to public, school, and classroom libraries.
Tracking Pythons is a well researched and written book that offers readers a look at how delicate the balance in a ecosystem can be, and how something that seems small can cause extreme changes. Whether the first pythons in Florida were escaped or released pets, or stowaways, is less important than the studies and efforts to understand and control their impact on an area that is already facing environmental stress. I liked the conversational tone and the backgrounds stories for some of the scientists that are working on the problem, and the details of the field and lab work that can be involved. I think the combination gives readers a good look at what they might do if their find a career in the field. I really enjoyed getting to know more about the lengths that go into keeping the environment and the creatures in it, as healthy as possible despite the damage being done both intentionally and unintentionally by man. I really like the use of additional digital content for interested readers. So many kids have phones and tablets on hand, and leading them to reputable and interesting resources is a great way to keep their attention and encourage further research. I also liked the concises timeline for the python population, as well as the fact that the book included a glossary and page of resources for further reading. I found the book to be well done and accessible for interested readers.
Tracking Pythons is an interesting and engaging read and I think it would be a great addition to public, school, and classroom libraries.
February 9, 2021
In 1979, a dead Burmese Python was found in South Florida. It was the first seen in the wild.in North America. How did this captive animal from South Asia get there? By 2000, it was well- known that the python had become an established and breeding species in the already ecologically stressed Florida Everglades. This book not only follows scientists as they work to understand and control this invasive species, but makes the snakes the star(s) of the story . It introduces the reader to the scientists, the actual wild snakes that are helping to them study the problem, and the concept of what is an invasive species.
The presentation and the attractive yet informative style make this ecology book one middle grade readers will not be able to put down. Readers will understand the python problem and gain insight to other invasive species in Florida and around the world when they are finished with the text and the and the 8 pages of supplemental material. The accompanying photographs, maps, and graphs are both informative and a little horrifying as well, perfect really for the interest level of the intended audience.
I would highly recommend this book for purchase by middle school and public libraries.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
The presentation and the attractive yet informative style make this ecology book one middle grade readers will not be able to put down. Readers will understand the python problem and gain insight to other invasive species in Florida and around the world when they are finished with the text and the and the 8 pages of supplemental material. The accompanying photographs, maps, and graphs are both informative and a little horrifying as well, perfect really for the interest level of the intended audience.
I would highly recommend this book for purchase by middle school and public libraries.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
January 31, 2021
Excellent! Clear and informative science writing, backed up by careful research including the personal experiences of Messner who spent several days with the Conservancy of Southwest Florida team. Really outstanding color photographs are a major feature of the book but they are wonderfully chosen to further understanding of the text.
This is an important and very timely topic and in less able hands, could have been a scary-gee-whiz narrative. Fortunately Kate Messner is a skilled science writer and she does an outstanding job of science reporting, avoiding turning the snakes into evil monsters. Readers get solid information on the issues of invasive species and their impact of local wildlife, and on the efforts to control the non-native species.
I was fascinated by the innovative technique the Conservancy is using, releasing micro-chipped "sentinel snakes" to lead them to females and by the early reports that seem encouraging. The book demonstrates the extreme difficulty of finding the pythons in the wild and the value of this new technique.
Great back matter includes an Author's Note, a list of the "most wanted invasive species," a timeline of the Burmese python invasion, glossary and bibliography.
Don't let this terrific book slither away - get it for your collections!
This is an important and very timely topic and in less able hands, could have been a scary-gee-whiz narrative. Fortunately Kate Messner is a skilled science writer and she does an outstanding job of science reporting, avoiding turning the snakes into evil monsters. Readers get solid information on the issues of invasive species and their impact of local wildlife, and on the efforts to control the non-native species.
I was fascinated by the innovative technique the Conservancy is using, releasing micro-chipped "sentinel snakes" to lead them to females and by the early reports that seem encouraging. The book demonstrates the extreme difficulty of finding the pythons in the wild and the value of this new technique.
Great back matter includes an Author's Note, a list of the "most wanted invasive species," a timeline of the Burmese python invasion, glossary and bibliography.
Don't let this terrific book slither away - get it for your collections!
October 25, 2020
Lots of great photographs and vicarious fun of trooping along with cool scientists in this report on an effort to stem the damage of invasive Burmese pythons in Florida. Apparently they've established themselves firmly and are eating up all the raccoons and leaving the panthers going hungry. There's not much to do when an invasive species is so successful, Messner explains, but on the fringes a group is working on using male pythons to find and eliminate the females before the eggs can hatch. This may help keep the snakes from expanding, and gives Messner a chance to ride along with the planes, trucks and boots checking up on the radio tagged fifteen food snakes. One of which had eaten a deer larger than it was!
This reminds me a bit of a less sarcastic Mary Roach book, where Messner gets people to let her tag along while they do their interesting jobs. And Messner takes pictures! The back matter describes the making of the book, gives further avenues of research into snakes and invasive species, and the a good bibliography.
This reminds me a bit of a less sarcastic Mary Roach book, where Messner gets people to let her tag along while they do their interesting jobs. And Messner takes pictures! The back matter describes the making of the book, gives further avenues of research into snakes and invasive species, and the a good bibliography.
March 15, 2020
This book will appeal to both young readers and teachers. There are photos, QR codes that provide access to video clips of snakes and researchers in action, and plenty of details about the pythons and their impact on the Florida ecosystems they have invaded. Profiles and photos of the researchers are provided, along with details and photos about some of the MVPs (most valuable pythons) that are used by the program to help locate other snakes in the wild. Tips on responsible pet ownership are also included. Educators will be pleased with the helpful features such as sidebars on related topics (other invasive species stories, details of python anatomy, how radio telemetry works), a timeline of the Burmese python invasion, source notes, and recommendations for further reading. I especially enjoyed the author's note in which Messner explained how a newspaper article aroused her curiosity and led to the writing of the book.
Highly recommended for middle grade readers.
Highly recommended for middle grade readers.
May 11, 2021
Invasive species such as spotted lantern fly, ash borers, and zebra mussels are in the news. Introduced most likely by careless owners who were tired of their pets and probably uncomfortable with the size, Burmese pythons have well adapted to the climate in Florida. It is a very serious problem as these snakes are eating and displacing native species – including alligators, upsetting the balance in the eco system. The book is quite engrossing as author, Messner follows scientists whose quest is to catch and capture this invasive predator. These snakes can be huge at maturity, camouflage well, and reproduce abundantly. While this book is not scary like snake on the plane, it gives plenty of food for thought. Information on the python’s life cycle, anatomy, and excellent pictures will attract and engage upper elementary and middle school readers. The book serves as a reminder that we all have responsibility to our environment.
April 8, 2020
[Netgalley disclaimer]
A nice look at pythons from the perspective of the scientists tracking and studying them. This is a fresh update for any libraries looking to add not only a book about pythons in general, but also about the ecological ramifications of the invasive pythons in the southern United States.
The photographs in this text were really well done. I especially like the cover, which I compared to some we had on the shelf. This was a nice image of a snake a natural (albeit invaded) habitat rather than one on a plain background or even in a tank. I appreciate the realism here. I think it also does the reader a service to see where the snakes are out an about --and how close they are to their backyards.
Additionally, I think this is a nice view into the careers of field herpetologists that would really excite young reptile enthusiasts.
A nice look at pythons from the perspective of the scientists tracking and studying them. This is a fresh update for any libraries looking to add not only a book about pythons in general, but also about the ecological ramifications of the invasive pythons in the southern United States.
The photographs in this text were really well done. I especially like the cover, which I compared to some we had on the shelf. This was a nice image of a snake a natural (albeit invaded) habitat rather than one on a plain background or even in a tank. I appreciate the realism here. I think it also does the reader a service to see where the snakes are out an about --and how close they are to their backyards.
Additionally, I think this is a nice view into the careers of field herpetologists that would really excite young reptile enthusiasts.
April 30, 2020
An interesting account of the Burmese python population in South Florida and what scientists are doing to regulate this invasive species. They are now considered a vulnerable species in Asia, their native habitat, even while they are thriving in Florida. Messner does an outstanding job in detailing the reasons why this population has to be controlled with an infographic of their diet as they grow to 15 ft. They have become the apex predators, competing with already endangered species like the Florida panther, and are eating their way through the smaller native animals! An engaging read with amazing photographs, including a python squeezing its prey and several showing another regurgitating an entire 35 pound fawn so be aware, if you are a particularly sensitive reader!
March 29, 2020
Highly engaing look at the burmese pythons living in Southern Florida. Kate Messner takes the reader through the work being done by The Conservancy of Southwest Florida to study, capture, tag and reduce the population of this highly invasive species. It is a must own for every single library and we study how to reduce invasive species throughout the US so that ecosystems continue to thrive and flourish.
Included within are QR codes that link to even more information and videos that will captivate the reader.
My only wish is that she create one for younge students.
Included within are QR codes that link to even more information and videos that will captivate the reader.
My only wish is that she create one for younge students.
May 2, 2023
The reason I did not rate this the highest was less because of the amazing idea of reptiles - I am excited to learn more about them when I can actually go travelling ASAP - and more of my imagining potential bloody damage... I have "convinced" my cats not to hide under the bed when it is time for the vet, but this only sometimes works out. I have two calico/tortoiseshells proofreading this draft before it greets the world.
They are gifted with sharp daggers, and likewise, the pythons in this book have a reticulated (lined and squared) coat.
I hope you can enjoy this book.
They are gifted with sharp daggers, and likewise, the pythons in this book have a reticulated (lined and squared) coat.
I hope you can enjoy this book.
February 28, 2020
This book gives a fascinating look at Burmese pythons in South Florida while also giving a glimpse into what invasive species are and how they are dealt with in various areas around the world. The writing is well done in first person that really gives the reader the feeling of being part of the crew. The photographs are also captivating. The book concludes with tips for preventing invasive species in the first place. Highly recommended!
Read
April 13, 2020This was just fascinating. This book is a well-written, well-researched account of the work of scientists studying the invasive python population in south Florida. The tone is conversational and each page features at least one full-color photo showing either the snakes or the scientists at work studying and/ or catching them. I will be adding this title to my seventh grade scientist unit. Highly recommend!
September 5, 2022
Honestly, not my first choice of book. Like ever. Snakes are just not it for me, but this was the last one on my list of PA Young Reader's Choice Nominees and I already have quite a few students interested in reading it, so I can at least talk to them about it now! As much as I was grossed out, this was interesting and informative. While I hope to never ever encounter these, or any snakes, in the wild, I do have a new appreciation for them.
July 27, 2020
Wow! This fascinating nonfiction book isn't just about snakes--though learning about these impressive Burmese pythons was cool. It's about invasive species, how science works, how what we know evolves, and how everything in an ecosystem depends on and is affected by everything else. Highly recommended!
February 13, 2021
Excellent look at an environmental problem while sharing how scientists work. The author is clear the the issue was caused by people, the snakes are just being snakes. Fascinating but made me wary of visiting southwest Florida again. Warning: there are photos that aren’t for the squeamish. Also snakes are euthanized.
December 16, 2024
Really good book, full of color photography. This story is about a different approach to Burmese Python control, and it may be working. Radio tracking devices are inserted, and selected snakes released back into the wild. Then snakes are tracked every two weeks to locate other pythons that are then removed from environment.
April 14, 2020
I Enjoyed everything about this book there was nothing I didn't like about the book. I Like the setting,the writing style,the plot,the plot twists and the characters in the book were amazing.I would gladly reread it again.I also like the concept of the book.
October 15, 2021
I had to read this for the Charlie May Simon Award committee...as if I was not freaked out enough by snakes! HA! Surprisingly, this was an interesting and attention-grabbing read. It will get my vote for sure.
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May 21, 2020Fascinating photos, and a great look at the problems of invasive species and humane ways of managing them.
Read
July 5, 2020Hand this to fans of Scientists in the Field and young snake enthusiasts.
July 6, 2020
I thought this might give me nightmares, but it was presented in such a way that I pictured it as more of a learning experience. Engrossing!
October 16, 2020
Great photographs and an interesting subject, although I found the text to be a little awkward and repetitive.
May 3, 2021
5 stars and I hate snakes
February 18, 2023
I am terrified of snakes but this book was so interesting!!
January 22, 2021
Fascinating account of dealing with an invasive species.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews