Florida tackling python problem with hunting contest

[Donna]

http://myfox8.com/2012/12/11/florida-tackling-python-problem-with-hunting-contest/ Story and ewww pic!

A grand prize of $1,500 will be awarded to the person who kills the most pythons, and $1,000 will go to the person who bags the longest one. According to the rules, road kill will not be eligible.

The largest Burmese python ever found in Florida — its 17 foot, 6-inch carcass weighed 164.5 pounds — was harvested in the Everglades in August. Researchers at the University of Florida found 87 eggs inside the snake.

The largest prey, Friar told CNN, was a 76-pound deer that was found in the stomach of a 16-foot python a few months ago.

[Kris G.]

http://myfox8.com/2012/12/11/florida-tackling-python-problem-with-hunting-contest/ Story and ewww pic!

A grand prize of $1,500 will be awarded to the person who kills the most pythons, and $1,000 will go to the person who bags the longest one. According to the rules, road kill will not be eligible.

The largest Burmese python ever found in Florida — its 17 foot, 6-inch carcass weighed 164.5 pounds — was harvested in the Everglades in August. Researchers at the University of Florida found 87 eggs inside the snake.

The largest prey, Friar told CNN, was a 76-pound deer that was found in the stomach of a 16-foot python a few months ago.

I can't say it enough-I HATE snakes, any size, any kind!

[Tokira]

Sensationalism aside, the Python "Problem" is self-limiting:
http://usark.org/featured/new-python-cold-study/

DNA testing of pythons found in the Everglades has shown that most of  the ones captured, in spite of the anti-petkeeping pressure groups' agenda, are descended from snakes released in flooding following Hurricane Andrew.
Rest easy, they are NOT going to overrun the entire US 
Carol
WV