Florida - Hunting & Killing of Pythons Begins
Local Hunter Bags 10-Foot Python
ORLANDO, Fla. -- A Central Florida hunter captured a nearly 10-foot Burmese python on Friday, the first day of a new program designed to decrease the snake population in the Sunshine State.
Shawn Heflick, of Palm Bay, caught the 9-foot, 8-inch python in South Florida, where an estimated 150,000 pythons live in the wild.
"Honestly, I was surprised. I did not expect to see a Burmese python today," Heflick said. "We hope our success today helps us establish connections with airboat operators and sportsmen out here in the (Everglades).
They can tell us where these snakes are, so we can go out and find them."
Armed with snake hooks and nets, a group of reptile experts selected by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission participated in the first day of the hunt.
The volunteer permit holders spotted the python in the water underneath a boardwalk leading to a camp on a tree island.
The snake was later euthanized.
The new program allows permit holders to search for pythons on several FWC wildlife management areas and lands managed by the South Florida Water Management District.
"Today's success in the field points to the professionalism and experience of our permit holders," said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. "We thank Gov. Charlie Crist for supporting this program. Today's outcome shows that we do have a serious Burmese python problem, and this program is a good first step in helping to stop the spread of this exotic species."
Permit holders must already have a Reptile of Concern permit.
When permit holders capture and euthanize a python, they must report its GPS location and take a digital photo of the carcass.
Permit holders are allowed to sell the snake’s hide and meat.
The python permit program runs from July 17 to Oct. 31, at which time the FWC will evaluate the data collected and determine if it should extend or expand the program.
The program was implemented shortly after a 2-year-old Central Florida girl was strangled by a python in her home.
The snake was a pet of her mother's boyfriend and escaped its cage in the middle of the night.Sen.
Bill Nelson has also called for action to be taken to stop the spread of pythons in South Florida, saying it won't be long until someone is injured by one of the snakes.
