FAU students trained to handle pythons

Training helps researchers stay safe

DAVIE, Fla. ā€“ Florida Atlantic University students hit the classroom Thursday to learn how to handle a python encounter.

The Python Patrol Responder Course was designed for students and staff members who conduct research in the Everglades, where the invasive snake thrives.

"My heart is racing, I'm shaking, but it's nice to know that I can do that," said doctoral student Jennifer Chastant.

Participants learned how to let the snake's head face away from them, pin down its head, grab it and place it in a bag face-first.

Some of the students focus their research in remote areas, which means help is not always close, so the training is vital.

"It's huge," Chastant said. "It's very important to have something like this."

Click here for more information about invasive species.