Sen. Nelson gets ready to go python hunting

Trappers have only caught 11 snakes during 'Florida's 2013 Python Challenge'

THE EVERGLADES, Fla. – U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson is going on a python hunt.

The Democratic Senator will be hunting snakes in the Everglades on Thursday with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissioner Ron Bergeron, a researcher from the University of Florida and other local officials. 

Recommended Videos



"These snakes don't belong in the Everglades," Nelson said.  "They're causing real problems in one of Florida's greatest treasures."

Nelson's hunt comes just days after the beginning of "Florida's 2013 Python Challenge".

Hundreds of hunters have combed the Everglades for pythons, but so far have only bagged 11 snakes.

The Senator's media people reminded us that Nelson brought Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to Florida last year to announce a rule that prohibits the sale and importation of such exotic snakes.

Coincidentally, Salazar announced on Wednesday he is leaving his post of Interior Secretary.
"Ken Salazar is my personal friend, and he's much more," Nelson said. "He's been a good friend to Florida and will always be a friend of the Everglades. Under his leadership, we finally banned the trade of invasive Burmese pythons, restored the Everglades to a list of endangered sites and built the first few miles of bridging over the Tamiami Trail. He will be missed."