68 Pythons Found & Killed in Florida Everglades During 'Python Challenge' [VIDEO]

A month long "Python Challenge" in the Florida Everglades attracting over nearly 1,600 hunters from 38 states have discovered over 68 pythons. It was from January 12 to February 10. The challenge also promised an award to whoever bags the longest Burmese python.

The Burmese pythons can grow up to 18 feet and is one of the sixth largest snakes in the world. Wildlife experts say the exotic species pose a great risk to Florida's native wildlife, threatening bird, coyote and panther populations.

The 30-day hunt initiated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is aimed to raise public awareness of the invasive species.

"It's an amazing challenge to try to come out and hunt these big snakes," hunter Dennis Jordan told CNN Miami, Florida, affiliate WSVN.

The exact numbers of the pythons are unknown but estimates have ranged up to 100,000 and while 68 seem to be a big number that is only a fraction of the snakes that is living in the Everglades area.

"Thanks to the determination of Python Challenge competitors, we are able to gather invaluable information that will help refine and focus combined efforts to control pythons in the Everglades," Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Executive Director Nick Wiley said.

"The enthusiastic support from the public, elected officials, conservation organizations, government agencies and researchers gives hope that we can make progress on this difficult conservation challenge by working together," Wiley said.

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