Not true about they would be eaten quickly, native species smaller than ball pythons live, though they are exposed to danger, but also have perfect camo for the everglades. And I am sure the snake would not starve to death, even though it was a pet, it still has natural instinct, and I cannot think of any place in North America that wouldn't have rodents! And when it does get too cold for the ball python its body will slowly shut down, it will hardly feel anything.