Burmese python caught in northern Key Largo. Photo / Lori Oberhofer

According to the Associated Press, South Florida snake hunters caught 37 Burmese pythons during a trial hunting season to eradicate the non-indigenous reptile. In July state wildlife officials granted 15 permits to snake experts. The program ended on Oct. 31 but officials plan to start it again in 2010.

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

Up to 100,000 Burmese pythons are slithering throughout the Everglades and other local wetlands, devouring indigenous animals and scaring humans who are hiking, kayaking or relaxing in their backyards.

The largest python captured in South Florida weighed 207 pounds and was 17 feet long. A 9-foot pet python outside Orlando killed a child on July 2.

Pythons have been released and/or escaped from shops and homes and have adapted well to the swampy region, breeding at will. So on July 15 Gov. Charlie Crist approved the program to hunt the carnivores.

Other non-native reptiles that hunters are allowed to cull include green anacondas, Nile monitor lizards and four more species of python.