"In Florida, Python Hunters Stalk Their Targets In The Dark Of Night"

"One solution to Florida’s problem? An open-invitation hunting contest."

"FLORIDA EVERGLADES — Donna Kalil was creeping toward the end of the levee, heading out of the swampy wilderness and back to civilization, when she spotted it. There along the canal, nearly invisible amid the brush, was the elusive tan and brown pattern she’d been after all night.

“Right there is one — python!” cried Kalil, 61, her voice rising above the honking frogs and chirping crickets of the Glades.

She threw her 1998 Ford Expedition (license plate: SNAKER) into park. Without a moment’s hesitation, the professional snake hunter was out of the car and closing in on the creature — a scaly, fork-tongued Burmese python that, at seven feet long, was bigger than her.

Sporting camouflage pants and a fluorescent vest, jewelry made from python ribs dangling from her ears, Kalil crouched beside the serpent. Then she reached for its neck."

Brittany Shammas and Drea Cornejo report for the Washington Post August 25, 2023.

Source: Washington Post, 09/01/2023