Everglades Python Challenge wraps up

The state’s 2016 Python Challenge wrapped up Sunday evening.

More than a thousand people signed up to take part in the month-long hunt. As of Friday, 102 Burmese pythons had been killed or captured, according to state wildlife officials. The final number and prize winners will be announced during a Feb. 27 event.

The last public hunt for pythons on state lands, in 2013, netted 68 of the snakes — the longest measuring over 14 feet.

Cool temperatures and more training appeared to help this year’s hunters, who are competing for prizes awarded for the longest python and the most snakes captured.

The snakes that were captured are killed and turned over to researchers, who are searching for clues to help control the python population in the Everglades.

This story was originally published February 15, 2016 at 11:30 AM with the headline "Everglades Python Challenge wraps up."