Python hunting permits expire for year

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — A pilot program to eradicate invasive pythons from South Florida has ended with experts killing 37 of the giant snakes.

Wildlife officials began the program in July as part of their ongoing efforts to rid the state of the nonnative constrictors.

The state had issued 15 permits to snake experts. They expired Oct. 31. Officials hope to restart the permit program next year.

Meanwhile, hunters are still allowed to kill the snakes in designated areas.

The number of pythons in South Florida has exploded in the past decade to potentially tens of thousands. Scientists believe pet owners freed their snakes into the wild. They also think some Burmese pythons may have escaped in 1992 from pet shops battered by Hurricane Andrew and have been reproducing ever since.