Python Hunting Contest In Florida Everglades

Wildlife officials are looking for snake slayers as they enlist the public to combat an invasion of pythons in the Florida Everglades.

State officials have placed a bounty on the Burmese python to eradicate the species from the environmentally sensitive region known as the River of Grass.

The latest attempt will enlist the help of professional python hunters and weekend enthusiasts, who will compete for cash in the 2013 Python Challenge.

The goal of the month-long event - starting on January 12 - is to reduce the number of non-native reptiles that are gobbling up indigenous wildlife.

Winners will receive up to \$1,500 (£940) for the longest snake, while \$1,000 (£630) will be awarded to the serpent killer who brings in the largest haul.

"Part of the goal of the Python Challenge is to educate the public to understand why non-native species like Burmese pythons should never be released into the wild and encourage people to report sightings of exotic species," said Kristen Sommers, head of exotic species programmes for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Burmese pythons became established in the state in 2000.

The problem is believed to have been caused by pet owners who released their snakes into the wild after they grew too large.

Officials have banned the importation of certain species of python, but snakes already released into the wild are causing havoc because they have no predators.

A Burmese python found in August set a record as the largest such snake ever captured in the state at 17ft, 7in.

It was carrying a record load of 87 eggs, according to researchers at the University of Florida.