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Python Patrol Hunting Permits Expire For Year

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Nov 3, 2009 11:38 am US/Eastern

Python Patrol Hunting Permits Expire For Year

Python Patrol Began Program In July

37 Pythons Were Killed During The Program

Officials Hope To Restart The Permit Program Next Year

Reporting
Lisa Cilli
E-mail

MIAMI (CBS4) ―

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A pilot program to eradicate invasive Burmese pythons from South Florida has ended with experts killing 37 of the giant snakes.

Wildlife officials began the program in July as part of their ongoing efforts to rid the state of the nonnative constrictors.

The state had issued 15 permits to snake experts. They expired Oct. 31. Officials hope to restart the permit program next year.

Meanwhile, hunters are still allowed to kill the snakes in designated areas.

The number of invasive pythons in South Florida and throughout Everglades National Park has exploded in the past decade to potentially tens of thousands, though wildlife officials aren't sure exactly how many are out there.

Scientists believe pet owners freed their snakes into the wild. They also think some Burmese pythons may have escaped in 1992 from pet shops battered by Hurricane Andrew and have been reproducing ever since.

A U.S. Geological Survey released last month revealed the problem isn't just Burmese pythons; there are actually five species of foreign snakes that threaten native species and ecosystems in South Florida.

The big snakes mature and reproduce quickly, travel long distances and can eat almost anything in fur, feathers or scales, experts say. Officials say the constrictors can produce up to 100 eggs at a time.