MIAMI (AP) -- Snake hunters are making huge captures during a python hunting challenge in the Florida Everglades.
According to the South Florida Water Management District, the biggest catch, so far, went to Patrick Campbell who caught a python measuring 15 feet, 10 inches and weighing 135 pounds on April 2.
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.
