Too many hungry pythons.

Burmese pythons were introduced into the Florida Everglades in the 1980s.  They escaped from captivity and pet owners also dump them when they become too large to keep.  The pythons are prolific and can grow to more than 15 feet long (5 meters) and weigh 150 pounds (75 kg).

A new Davidson College study reveals rapidly declining populations of indigenous Everglade mammals (e.g., raccoons, deer, opossum, and others), by more than 90% since the late 1990s.  Researchers believe the skyrocketing python population is to blame.  

New research demonstrates that salt water, once thought to be a barrier that confines snakes to the swamp, is really no barrier at all.  Some experts believe the pythons could expand their habitat throughout much of the Southeastern U.S. (FloridaToday.com, January 31, 2012).  The Everglades directly border Miami residential neighborhoods.  What could happen when pythons run out of native species to eat?  

The Bible identifies some sobering events that will occur at the end of the age.  The Apostle John wrote of the fourth seal, the “pale horse,” that will result in the death of one-quarter of the earth’s population by the sword (war), hunger, and the beasts of the earth (Revelation 6:7-8).  Jeremiah’s prophecy adds more detail, highlighting how birds and beasts of the earth will “devour and destroy” (Jeremiah 15:2-4).  Florida’s pythons could be one tool that God eventually uses to bring these prophecies to pass.

For more information, review our booklet: Revelation: The Mystery Unveiled!