Florida Python Challenge Winners Announce; Contest Yields Just 68 Snakes (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

Paul Shannon, center, receives his award for longest python caught by an unlicensed hunter, it was fourteen feet, three inches long, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013 at Zoo Miami. A public hunt for Burmese pythons in the Everglades yielded 68 of the invasive snakes, the longest measuring more than 14 feet long, Florida wildlife officials said Saturday. (AP Photo/The Miami Herald, Peter Andrew Bosch) MAGS OUT

Paul Shannon, left, receives his award for longest python caught by an unlicensed hunter and Brian Barrows, for the most caught which was six, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013 at Zoo Miami. A public hunt for Burmese pythons in the Everglades yielded 68 of the invasive snakes, the longest measuring more than 14 feet long, Florida wildlife officials said Saturday. (AP Photo/The Miami Herald, Peter Andrew Bosch) MAGS OUT

Brian Barrows, receives his award for most python caught by an unlicensed hunter, he caught six, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013 at Zoo Miami. A public hunt for Burmese pythons in the Everglades yielded 68 of the invasive snakes, the longest measuring more than 14 feet long, Florida wildlife officials said Saturday. (AP Photo/The Miami Herald, Peter Andrew Bosch) MAGS OUT

Ruben Ramirez, left, talks to the press after he received his award for most python caught by an licensed hunter, he caught eighteen. Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013 at Zoo Miami. A public hunt for Burmese pythons in the Everglades yielded 68 of the invasive snakes, the longest measuring more than 14 feet long, Florida wildlife officials said Saturday. (AP Photo/The Miami Herald, Peter Andrew Bosch) MAGS OUT

A Burmese python is displayed at the python hunt awards ceremony presented by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013 at Zoo Miami. A public hunt for Burmese pythons in the Everglades yielded 68 of the invasive snakes, the longest measuring more than 14 feet long, Florida wildlife officials said Saturday. (AP Photo/The Miami Herald, Peter Andrew Bosch) MAGS OUT

FWC Press Secretary Susan Smith, Public Information Coordinator Carli Segelson, Officer Bobby Dube, Regional Director Chuck Collins, Nina Segelson and Officer David Bingham hold a loaned skin from a 21 foot python at the Florida Python Challenge awards ceremony on February 16, 2013. FWC Photo by Alicia Wellman.

Second Prize for the number of pythons by a General Competitor goes to Bill Booth. He harvested 5 pythons! FWC Photo by Jorge Pino

Bill Booth

Bill Booth of Bradenton, Fla. stretches out dead Burmese python he caught, for students from the University of Florida to measure, Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013 in the Florida Everglades as part of the monthlong "Python Challenge." Wildlife officials say more than 1,000 people signed up for the competition that began Saturday and ends Feb. 10. The state hopes the hunters will help researchers collect more information about the pythons. The large snakes are an invasive species and are considered a menace to Florida's swamplands. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Bill Booth

Bill Booth of Bradenton, Fla. holds a dead Burmese python he caught, Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013 in the Florida Everglades as part of the monthlong "Python Challenge." Wildlife officials say more than 1,000 people signed up for the competition that began Saturday and ends Feb. 10. The state hopes the hunters will help researchers collect more information about the pythons. The large snakes are an invasive species and are considered a menace to Florida's swamplands. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

A student from the University of Florida measures a dead Burmese python caught by Bill Booth of Bradenton, Fla., Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013 in the Florida Everglades as part of the monthlong "Python Challenge." Wildlife officials say more than 1,000 people signed up for the competition that began Saturday and ends Feb. 10. The state hopes the hunters will help researchers collect more information about the pythons. The large snakes are an invasive species and are considered a menace to Florida's swamplands. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Python Dave Leibman

Trapper "Python Dave" Leibman holds a roll of snake skins he is selling at the Python Challenge kick-off in Davie, Fla. Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013. Roughly 2,050 pythons have been harvested in Florida since 2000, according to the conservation commission. It?s unknown exactly how many are slithering through the wetlands. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter)

Bill Nelson, Ron Begeron

In this Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013 photo taken in the Florida Everglades, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., and wildlife commissioner Ron Bergeron, right, search the grassy underbrush on an island in the everglades for pythons. Nearly 800 people have signed up to hunt Burmese pythons on public lands in Florida as part of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's month-long "Python Challenge." Experts say the invasive species is decimating native wildlife in the Florida Everglades. For the first time, the public is joining licensed hunters in the search for the snakes. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter)

Jim Howard

In this Jan. 16, 2013 photo, Jim Howard of Cooper City, Fla., searches under the dense foliage in the Florida Everglades looking for pythons as part of the month long "Python Challenge." Wildlife officials say more than 1,000 people signed up for the competition that began Saturday and ends Feb. 10. The state hopes the hunters will help researchers collect more information about the pythons. The large snakes are an invasive species and are considered a menace to Florida's swamplands. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Jim Howard

In this Jan. 16, 2013 photo, Jim Howard of Cooper City, Fla., examines a piece of a large snake skin he found under some foliage in the Florida Everglades during his search of pythons as part of the month long "Python Challenge." Wildlife officials say more than 1,000 people signed up for the competition that began Saturday and ends Feb. 10. The state hopes the hunters will help researchers collect more information about the pythons. The large snakes are an invasive species and are considered a menace to Florida's swamplands. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Jim Howard

In this Jan. 16, 2013 photo, Jim Howard of Cooper City, Fla., pilots his boat through a canal in the Florida Everglades in search of pythons as part of the month long "Python Challenge." Wildlife officials say more than 1,000 people signed up for the competition that began Saturday and ends Feb. 10. The state hopes the hunters will help researchers collect more information about the pythons. The large snakes are an invasive species and are considered a menace to Florida's swamplands. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Jim Howard

In this Jan. 16, 2013 photo, Jim Howard of Cooper City, Fla., searches the foundation of an old building in the Florida Everglades in search of pythons as part of the month long "Python Challenge." Wildlife officials say more than 1,000 people signed up for the competition that began Saturday and ends Feb. 10. The state hopes the hunters will help researchers collect more information about the pythons. The large snakes are an invasive species and are considered a menace to Florida's swamplands. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

PYTHOn

In this Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013 photo taken in the Florida Everglades, a captured 13-foot-long Burmese python is displayed for snake hunters and the media before heading out in airboats for the Python Challenge. Nearly 800 people have signed up to hunt Burmese pythons on public lands in Florida as part of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's month-long "Python Challenge." Experts say the invasive species is decimating native wildlife in the Florida Everglades. For the first time, the public is joining licensed hunters in the search for the snakes. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter)

Bill Nelson, Ron Begeron

In this Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013 photo taken in the Florida Everglades, wildlife commissioner Ron Bergeron, left, and U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., walk though knee deep swampy water and mud as they hunt for Burmese Pythons. Nearly 800 people have signed up to hunt Burmese pythons on public lands in Florida as part of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's month-long "Python Challenge." Experts say the invasive species is decimating native wildlife in the Florida Everglades. For the first time, the public is joining licensed hunters in the search for the snakes. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter)

Python Challenge

Hunting Excursions Latest In Effort To Curb Evasive Snake Population

DAVIE, FL - JANUARY 12: Dan Keenan (C) and others register to hunt pythons on the first day of the 2013 Python Challenge on January 12, 2013 in Davie, Florida.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and its partners launched the month long 2013 Python Challenge to harvest Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades, a species that is not native to Florida.The contest features prizes of $1,000 for catching the longest snake and $1,500 for catching the most. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Hunting Excursions Latest In Effort To Curb Evasive Snake Population

DAVIE, FL - JANUARY 12: A Burmese python is seen on display at the registration event and press conference for the start of the 2013 Python Challenge on January 12, 2013 in Davie, Florida.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and its partners launched the month long 2013 Python Challenge to harvest Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades, a species that is not native to Florida.The contest features prizes of $1,000 for catching the longest snake and $1,500 for catching the most. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

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Python Challenge

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Python Challenge

Hunting Excursions Latest In Effort To Curb Evasive Snake Population

DAVIE, FL - JANUARY 12: Mathew Manus registers to hunt python's in the Florida Everglades on the first day of the 2013 Python Challenge on January 12, 2013 in Davie, Florida.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and its partners launched the month long 2013 Python Challenge to harvest Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades, a species that is not native to Florida.The contest features prizes of $1,000 for catching the longest snake and $1,500 for catching the most. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Hunting Excursions Latest In Effort To Curb Evasive Snake Population

DAVIE, FL - JANUARY 12: A Burmese python is held by Jeff Fobb as he speaks to hunters and the media at the registration event and press conference for the start of the 2013 Python Challenge on January 12, 2013 in Davie, Florida.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and its partners launched the month long 2013 Python Challenge to harvest Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades, a species that is not native to Florida.The contest features prizes of $1,000 for catching the longest snake and $1,500 for catching the most. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Hunting Excursions Latest In Effort To Curb Evasive Snake Population

DAVIE, FL - JANUARY 12: Dan Keenan (C) and others register to hunt pythons on the first day of the 2013 Python Challenge on January 12, 2013 in Davie, Florida.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and its partners launched the month long 2013 Python Challenge to harvest Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades, a species that is not native to Florida.The contest features prizes of $1,000 for catching the longest snake and $1,500 for catching the most. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Hunting Excursions Latest In Effort To Curb Evasive Snake Population

DAVIE, FL - JANUARY 12: Jeff Singleton (C) and others listen during a demonstration as they register to hunt python's in the Florida Everglades on the first day of the 2013 Python Challenge on January 12, 2013 in Davie, Florida.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and its partners launched the month long 2013 Python Challenge to harvest Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades, a species that is not native to Florida.The contest features prizes of $1,000 for catching the longest snake and $1,500 for catching the most. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Hunting Excursions Latest In Effort To Curb Evasive Snake Population

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 12: BR Slocum (L) and his grandson Kyle Storch hunt for python's in the Florida Everglades on the first day of the 2013 Python Challenge on January 12, 2013 in Miami, Florida.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and its partners launched the month long 2013 Python Challenge to harvest Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades, a species that is not native to Florida.The contest features prizes of $1,000 for catching the longest snake and $1,500 for catching the most. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Hunting Excursions Latest In Effort To Curb Evasive Snake Population

DAVIE, FL - JANUARY 12: A Burmese python is seen on display at the registration event and press conference for the start of the 2013 Python Challenge on January 12, 2013 in Davie, Florida.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and its partners launched the month long 2013 Python Challenge to harvest Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades, a species that is not native to Florida.The contest features prizes of $1,000 for catching the longest snake and $1,500 for catching the most. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Hunting Excursions Latest In Effort To Curb Evasive Snake Population

DAVIE, FL - JANUARY 12: A ball python is seen on display at the registration event and press conference for the start of the 2013 Python Challenge on January 12, 2013 in Davie, Florida.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and its partners launched the month long 2013 Python Challenge to harvest Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades, a species that is not native to Florida.The contest features prizes of $1,000 for catching the longest snake and $1,500 for catching the most. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Hunting Excursions Latest In Effort To Curb Evasive Snake Population

DAVIE, FL - JANUARY 12: A Burmese python is held by Jeff Fobb as he speaks to the media at the registration event and press conference for the start of the 2013 Python Challenge on January 12, 2013 in Davie, Florida.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and its partners launched the month long 2013 Python Challenge to harvest Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades, a species that is not native to Florida.The contest features prizes of $1,000 for catching the longest snake and $1,500 for catching the most. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Hunting Excursions Latest In Effort To Curb Evasive Snake Population

DAVIE, FL - JANUARY 12: A Burmese python is held by Ron Bergeron as he speaks to the media at the registration event and press conference for the start of the 2013 Python Challenge on January 12, 2013 in Davie, Florida.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and its partners launched the month long 2013 Python Challenge to harvest Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades, a species that is not native to Florida.The contest features prizes of $1,000 for catching the longest snake and $1,500 for catching the most. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Hunting Excursions Latest In Effort To Curb Evasive Snake Population

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 12: Kyle Storch jumps over a patch of water as he hunts for python's in the Florida Everglades on the first day of the 2013 Python Challenge on January 12, 2013 in Miami, Florida.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and its partners launched the month long 2013 Python Challenge to harvest Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades, a species that is not native to Florida.The contest features prizes of $1,000 for catching the longest snake and $1,500 for catching the most. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Hunting Excursions Latest In Effort To Curb Evasive Snake Population

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 12: BR Slocum drives a golf cart with his son, Ray Slocum, as they hunt for python's in the Florida Everglades on the first day of the 2013 Python Challenge on January 12, 2013 in Miami, Florida.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and its partners launched the month long 2013 Python Challenge to harvest Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades, a species that is not native to Florida.The contest features prizes of $1,000 for catching the longest snake and $1,500 for catching the most. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Hunting Excursions Latest In Effort To Curb Evasive Snake Population

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 12: BR Slocum (R) and his grandson Kyle Storch prepare to hunt for python's in the Florida Everglades on the first day of the 2013 Python Challenge on January 12, 2013 in Miami, Florida.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and its partners launched the month long 2013 Python Challenge to harvest Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades, a species that is not native to Florida.The contest features prizes of $1,000 for catching the longest snake and $1,500 for catching the most. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Hunting Excursions Latest In Effort To Curb Evasive Snake Population

DAVIE, FL - JANUARY 12: A Burmese python is held by Jeff Fobb as he speaks to the media at the registration event and press conference for the start of the 2013 Python Challenge on January 12, 2013 in Davie, Florida.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and its partners launched the month long 2013 Python Challenge to harvest Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades, a species that is not native to Florida.The contest features prizes of $1,000 for catching the longest snake and $1,500 for catching the most. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Hunting Excursions Latest In Effort To Curb Evasive Snake Population

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 12: BR Slocum looks for snakes as he hunts for python's in the Florida Everglades on the first day of the 2013 Python Challenge on January 12, 2013 in Miami, Florida.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and its partners launched the month long 2013 Python Challenge to harvest Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades, a species that is not native to Florida.The contest features prizes of $1,000 for catching the longest snake and $1,500 for catching the most. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Hunting Excursions Latest In Effort To Curb Evasive Snake Population

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 12: Dan Keenan (R) and Steffani Burd hunt for python's in the Florida Everglades on the first day of the 2013 Python Challenge on January 12, 2013 in Miami, Florida.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and its partners launched the month long 2013 Python Challenge to harvest Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades, a species that is not native to Florida.The contest features prizes of $1,000 for catching the longest snake and $1,500 for catching the most. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Hunting Excursions Latest In Effort To Curb Evasive Snake Population

DAVIE, FL - JANUARY 12: A Burmese python is seen on display at the registration event and press conference for the start of the 2013 Python Challenge on January 12, 2013 in Davie, Florida.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and its partners launched the month long 2013 Python Challenge to harvest Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades, a species that is not native to Florida.The contest features prizes of $1,000 for catching the longest snake and $1,500 for catching the most. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Hunting Excursions Latest In Effort To Curb Evasive Snake Population

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 12: BR Slocum(L) and his grandson Kyle Storch hunt for python's in the Florida Everglades on the first day of the 2013 Python Challenge on January 12, 2013 in Miami, Florida.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and its partners launched the month long 2013 Python Challenge to harvest Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades, a species that is not native to Florida.The contest features prizes of $1,000 for catching the longest snake and $1,500 for catching the most. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Hunting Excursions Latest In Effort To Curb Evasive Snake Population

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 12: Dan Keenan (L) and Steffani Burd hunt for python's in the Florida Everglades on the first day of the 2013 Python Challenge on January 12, 2013 in Miami, Florida.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and its partners launched the month long 2013 Python Challenge to harvest Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades, a species that is not native to Florida.The contest features prizes of $1,000 for catching the longest snake and $1,500 for catching the most. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Hunting Excursions Latest In Effort To Curb Evasive Snake Population

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 12: Dan Keenan (R) and Steffani Burd hunt for python's in the Florida Everglades on the first day of the 2013 Python Challenge on January 12, 2013 in Miami, Florida.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and its partners launched the month long 2013 Python Challenge to harvest Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades, a species that is not native to Florida.The contest features prizes of $1,000 for catching the longest snake and $1,500 for catching the most. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Hunting Excursions Latest In Effort To Curb Evasive Snake Population

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 12: Ray Slocum hunts for python's in the Florida Everglades on the first day of the 2013 Python Challenge on January 12, 2013 in Miami, Florida.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and its partners launched the month long 2013 Python Challenge to harvest Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades, a species that is not native to Florida.The contest features prizes of $1,000 for catching the longest snake and $1,500 for catching the most. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Hunting Excursions Latest In Effort To Curb Evasive Snake Population

DAVIE, FL - JANUARY 12: A Burmese python is seen on display at the registration event and press conference for the start of the 2013 Python Challenge on January 12, 2013 in Davie, Florida.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and its partners launched the month long 2013 Python Challenge to harvest Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades, a species that is not native to Florida.The contest features prizes of $1,000 for catching the longest snake and $1,500 for catching the most. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Hunting Excursions Latest In Effort To Curb Evasive Snake Population

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 12: Kyle Storch hunts for python's in the Florida Everglades on the first day of the 2013 Python Challenge on January 12, 2013 in Miami, Florida.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and its partners launched the month long 2013 Python Challenge to harvest Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades, a species that is not native to Florida.The contest features prizes of $1,000 for catching the longest snake and $1,500 for catching the most. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Hunting Excursions Latest In Effort To Curb Evasive Snake Population

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 12: BR Slocum carries a snake catcher as he hunts for python's in the Florida Everglades on the first day of the 2013 Python Challenge on January 12, 2013 in Miami, Florida.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and its partners launched the month long 2013 Python Challenge to harvest Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades, a species that is not native to Florida.The contest features prizes of $1,000 for catching the longest snake and $1,500 for catching the most. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/16/florida-python-challenge-winners-final-tally_n_2703044.html

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