Hunters work to eliminate invasive pythons from Everglades

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HOMESTEAD, Fla. The race to save Florida’s ecosystem begins with the eradication of invasive pythons.

Dozens of hunters are working to get rid of Burmese pythons in the Everglades.

“Pythons – they’re not native here. They’re feeding on our native species and having a real impact on the species that should be here,” hunter Rodney Irwin said.

The South Florida Water Management District announced earlier this month the selection of 25 hunters for a 60-day pilot program to remove the invasive reptiles from state-owned lands. Hunters are paid a bounty for every snake or snake nest eliminate.

A 4-foot snake is worth $50 and an 8-foot snake $150.

“I would rather take the snakes out now than just let this problem continue where we have more and more and more,” Irwin said.

Future participants will be given special access to python-infested district property in Miami-Dade County starting April 1. Click here for more information on the program.

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