Python Hunt Under Way in Florida

Python Florida Everglades Permit Holders Allowed to Euthanize Snakes in Effort to Wipe Out Growing Non-native Population..

by CBS/AP

Published: Fri, July 17, 2009 - 8:28 am CST

(CBS/AP) A program to eradicate pythons from the Florida Everglades is beginning.

Friday is the first day herpetology experts with a permit will be allowed to search for and euthanize the pythons, which are not native to the Everglades.

The number of pythons in South Florida has exploded over the past decade as pet owners released their snakes when they grew too large, reports CBS station WFOR in Miami. It's unclear how many pythons are prowling in the wild across South Florida, but state wildlife officials estimate there are at least tens of thousands.

Permit holders are required to provide a photo and the location of each captured python. Wildlife officials will then study that information as well as the snake's size and stomach contents. They hope to learn more about the spread of the species. The initial program runs through Oct. 31.

Officials had previously said that about 10 hunters would have a permit. They will not be able to use firearms or traps to catch the pythons.

Commission spokeswoman Pat Behnke says state officials are concerned the problem will continue to grow and they want to prevent pythons from traveling any farther north, WFOR reports.

"They reproduce 50 to 100 eggs when they lay the eggs. They have the ability to withstand different temperatures so there's a possibility they could move north. So now is the time to get started on this and try to prevent it before it becomes even a bigger problem," explained Behnke.

The first phase of the python hunting program will last about three months.

"We are asking them when they do find the pythons that they must destroy them and then we ask that they collect data for us: location, weight, stomach contents and so on, so we can start compiling a database," explained Behnke.

After the first phase, state officials will look at the results and consider expanding the hunt to include more trappers. The hunters will not get a bounty for killing pythons, but they will be able to sell the skin and meat, WFOR reports.

Experts say pythons mainly threaten wildlife, but the issue was thrust into the spotlight earlier this month when an eight-foot pet python killed a two year old in the child's house in Sumter County.

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carl Says:

Mon, Jul 20, 2009 at 2:27 pm

You gotta be kidding!They don’t want them shot or trapped!They’re not real serious about getting rid of them yet,are they?Sounds just like a state or federal knucklehead that has no understanding of the severity of the problem.Herpetology experts only huh?I guess they’re gonna talk them to death and then pull them into the boat,if they’ve thought about bringing a boat.MERCY! beam me up Scotty.

southfan1981 Says:

Mon, Jul 20, 2009 at 10:19 am

If you do the math.. a much higher percentage of dogs and cats are abandoned. This might be a new job for community service..

mandy86 Says:

Mon, Jul 20, 2009 at 9:58 am

This has been a known problem for years and they’re just now doing something about it? Geez. Too many irresponsible pet owners buy on a whim and assume there will be no problems with tossing out their animals when they are no longer cool or cute and tiny. Not to mention the animals that have escaped pet shops after hurricanes and such. They get out, reproduce, and go after pets and kids. I personally feel we need some sort of education program for people planning to buy exotic animals like this. Or at least have pet shop employees be sure the customer has done their research and know what they are getting into.