102 Pythons Caught As Snake Hunt Enters Final Weekend
Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter
MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) — The state-sanctioned hunt to eradicate an invasive snake species from Florida's wilderness has resulted in more than a hundred Burmese pythons caught with just a few days left.
The monthlong Python Challenge ends Sunday at 7 p.m. As of Friday, 102 pythons had been caught since the competition began Jan. 16.
Researchers believe tens of thousands of pythons may be slithering through the Everglades, decimating native mammal populations.
NEWS! 102 #pythons have been turned in to #PythonChallenge! https://t.co/uTi5dzSB8m #breakingnews pic.twitter.com/7YgPNveEHu
— MyFWC (@MyFWC) February 12, 2016
The first public python hunt in 2013 netted 68 snakes. Cool temperatures and more training appeared to help this year's hunters, who are competing for prizes awarded for the longest python and the most snakes captured.
The hunt's final tally will be announced at an awards ceremony Feb. 27.
All the snakes captured were killed and turned over to researchers trying to find clues to help control the python population.
(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)