MIAMI HERALD (Florida) 02 December 09 Wanted: More experts to capture pythons (Curtis Morgan)
The python patrol will be back next year.
After a four-month test run that ended in October, state wildlife managers announced Wednesday that they would extend the program to a year-round effort starting in January.
``We want to continue allowing experts out there to ensure this exotic species does not spread any farther north in Florida,'' said Scott Hardin, exotic species section leader for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
The snakes, which eat native wildlife, have spread rapidly across the Everglades and surrounding wildlands.
Under the program, 10 experts hunted on state-managed lands in South Florida, capturing 39 snakes during warm months when the exotic constrictors tend to be most difficult to locate. The FWC, which issued permits necessary to capture the snakes, has extended those initial 10 to the end of the year.
The agency is also now seeking application for permits that will go into effect on Jan. 1. Applications can be found at www.MyFWC.com. Click on ``Burmese pythons.''
In a release, the agency said it would accept only qualified applicants with experience capturing snakes in the wild, handling large constrictors and euthanizing reptiles. The FWC requires potential permit holders to be Florida residents and to have a ``reptile of concern'' permit, digital camera and a GPS unit.
Permit holders are required to photograph and mark GPS locations, photograph and describe stomach contents of euthanized snakes, file reports within 36 hours of capture, and either euthanize pythons in the field or transport live snakes to vets or people with licenses to own the snakes.
Permit holders also will be required to visit several state wildlife management areas in South Florida at least twice each year.
Wanted: More experts to capture pythons