February 16th, 2013
07:24 PM ET

Final take in Florida hunt is 68 pythons

They can reach lengths of 18 feet and their numbers are estimated to be in the tens of thousands, but Burmese pythons, a nuisance in the Everglades, aren't easy to find.

"It's an amazing challenge to try to come out and hunt these big snakes," hunter Dennis Jordan told CNN Miami affiliate WSVN in the closing days of the 2013 Python Challenge sponsored by state officials.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced Saturday that 68 Burmese pythons were taken during the January 12-February 10 competition that drew 1,600 registrants lured by prizes of up to $1,500.

Though the take was small, wildlife officials said their main aim was heightening public awareness of the invasive species.

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Filed under: Environment • Florida • Snakes
soundoff (13 Responses)
  1. Monty

    I was just flying over to see the circus, then suddenly I got shot.

    February 16, 2013 at 7:59 pm | Report abuse |
  2. 1608

    I hope the snakes win.

    February 16, 2013 at 8:11 pm | Report abuse |
    • Dan

      me too. I hope the earth and wildlife wins.

      February 16, 2013 at 10:16 pm | Report abuse |
  3. Dan

    It would be better to have more pythons and wildlife and alot fewer people. Animals and wildlife are good. People. . . . well, not so much.

    February 16, 2013 at 10:15 pm | Report abuse |
  4. banasy©

    I wouldn't take $1500.00 to be in the same location as a python, let alone try to catch it.

    February 16, 2013 at 10:17 pm | Report abuse |
  5. Portland tony

    Pythons are not native to the Everglades and eat everything in sight including all indigenous species. Bad snake ...at least in Florida!

    February 16, 2013 at 11:28 pm | Report abuse |
  6. fernace

    Why must these beautiful snakes be killed? Take the $1500 "bounty" per snake & send them to a zoo or reptile farm! Humans have caused the problem, but we punish the poor snake, who is simply doing what comes naturally! There are alternatives to destruction, we just have to be willing to use them! These snakes are beautiful, important & killing them should be the last option!!

    February 17, 2013 at 1:40 am | Report abuse |
  7. I H8 snakes

    The only good snake is a dead snake.

    February 17, 2013 at 1:36 pm | Report abuse |
    • wartever

      You sound like Indiana Jones. Have any adventures lately? Make it to the bathroom okay? What?

      February 17, 2013 at 3:11 pm | Report abuse |
  8. Jason

    Washington DC is full of snakes too.

    Maybe they can get rid of some of them too.

    February 17, 2013 at 11:34 pm | Report abuse |
  9. Richie

    Boots 'n' Handbags and maybe food too!

    February 28, 2013 at 4:24 pm | Report abuse |
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