Wanted: Florida Python Killers to Hunt Nuisance Snakes

The South Florida Water Management District announced plans to hire 25 python hunters to catch Burmese pythons, according to The Washington Post.

In recent years, Florida’s python problem has grown, and the huge snakes have been seen in Key Largo and in Biscayne Bay.

The water agency said it’s now willing to pay hunters to get rid of these threatening pythons.

"Anyone who has seen the now-famous python vs. alligator video can attest that the fight for survival of the Everglades is real," said Dan O’Keefe, chairman of the district’s board, according to the Post. "This board is taking appropriate action to push back the infestation of these invaders. Floridians should have no sympathies for this notorious strangler, and this latest initiative should pave the way for further exotic elimination efforts."

Under the water agency’s plan, hunters would be paid by the hour, according to the Miami Herald.

Hired python hunters would also receive a bonus for every snake killed during the two-month project.

The project is valued at $175,000, and hunters would be expected to scour Miami-Dade County to search for the camouflaged snakes.

Four years ago, during Florida’s first Python Challenge, Ruben Ramirez and George Brana, killed 18 pythons prior to the last day of the hunt, the Post noted.

"You’re looking at the winners right here. We’re kicking butt," Brana said, at the time.

While other hunters were using machetes and guns to hunt pythons, Brana and Ramirez insisted on catching the snakes with their hands.

Florida hired two Irula tribesmen last year to hunt the snakes. Their ancestors reportedly hunted pythons many years ago, leading to the snakes’ extinction in India.

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