Python Catching Competition Hosted by Wildlife Officials

By: Associated Press Email

Updated: Wed 6:16 PM, Dec 12, 2012

Associated Press Release
MIAMI (AP) -- Wildlife officials hope a competition will help raise awareness about Burmese pythons and get them out of public lands in South Florida.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced Wednesday the 2013 Python Challenge. Python permit holders and the public will compete to see who can harvest the longest and the most Burmese pythons.

Wildlife officials say the goal is to help people understand why the nonnative species is a threat to the Everglades ecosystem, including native wildlife. Another goal is to collect information on the python population in South Florida and enhance research and management efforts.

The challenge kicks off Jan. 12.

Florida currently prohibits possession or sale of Burmese pythons for use as pets, and federal law bans the importation and interstate sale of this species.

AP-WF-12-06-12 0804GMT

Death Toll in Oklahoma Twister Revised From 51 to 24

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Weather for Tallahassee, Florida

90° F

Mostly Cloudy

Wed

91 68

Thu

86 66

Fri

88 67

Sat

83 60

See detailed forecast

Commenting Policy

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

For more on WCTV’s policy regarding viewer comments or to report an offensive comment, click here.

Today's Events

Tuesday May 21

Click Here to Submit and View Events

Tweets by @WCTV