Florida Issues Permits for Python Hunt

From the Miami Herald:
By next week, the first of a select squad of python hunters will be ready to roll.
Gov. Charlie Crist on Wednesday approved plans to begin capturing and killing Burmese pythons that have invaded the Everglades.

The governor called the program, similar to one used for ”nuisance” alligators on state lands, important for protecting wildlife and the public. . . .

Trappers, whom the FWC said would be confined to volunteer experts, will euthanize the snakes. They also will provide scientific data from weight to gut contents. Trappers would be able to sell the meat and skin, which has commercial value for shoes and other items.