Hunting challenge netting huge pythons in Florida Everglades

MIAMI – Snake hunters are making huge captures during a python hunting challenge in the Florida Everglades.

News outlets report that the biggest catch, so far, went to Patrick Campbell who caught a python measuring 15 feet, 10 inches and weighing 135 pounds.

The second largest catch was made by Nicholas Banos and trapping partner Leonardo Sanchez whose python measured 15 feet, 2 inches and weighed 144 pounds.

The South Florida Water Management District is paying hunters to kill invasive pythons over a 60-day period.

Pythons wrap themselves around their prey and suffocate them.

Officials say pythons are decimating populations of native Florida mammals, which deprive panthers, alligators, bobcats and birds of their primary food source in the Everglades.