Python Hunt Under Way in Florida

(CBS/AP) A program to eradicate pythons from the Florida Everglades is beginning.

Friday is the first day herpetology experts with a permit will be allowed to search for and euthanize the pythons, which are not native to the Everglades.

The number of pythons in South Florida has exploded over the past decade as pet owners released their snakes when they grew too large, reports CBS station WFOR in Miami. It's unclear how many pythons are prowling in the wild across South Florida, but state wildlife officials estimate there are at least tens of thousands.

Permit holders are required to provide a photo and the location of each captured python. Wildlife officials will then study that information as well as the snake's size and stomach contents. They hope to learn more about the spread of the species. The initial program runs through Oct. 31.

Officials had previously said that about 10 hunters would have a permit. They will not be able to use firearms or traps to catch the pythons.

Commission spokeswoman Pat Behnke says state officials are concerned the problem will continue to grow and they want to prevent pythons from traveling any farther north, WFOR reports.

"They reproduce 50 to 100 eggs when they lay the eggs. They have the ability to withstand different temperatures so there's a possibility they could move north. So now is the time to get started on this and try to prevent it before it becomes even a bigger problem," explained Behnke.

The first phase of the python hunting program will last about three months.

"We are asking them when they do find the pythons that they must destroy them and then we ask that they collect data for us: location, weight, stomach contents and so on, so we can start compiling a database," explained Behnke.

After the first phase, state officials will look at the results and consider expanding the hunt to include more trappers. The hunters will not get a bounty for killing pythons, but they will be able to sell the skin and meat, WFOR reports.

Experts say pythons mainly threaten wildlife, but the issue was thrust into the spotlight earlier this month when an eight-foot pet python killed a two year old in the child's house in Sumter County.