New winner named for Florida's Python Challenge

Bill Booth of Bradenton, Fla. stretches out a dead Burmese python he caught, for students from the University of Florida to measure, in the Florida Everglades as part of the month long 'Python Challenge.' The large snakes are an invasive species and are considered a menace to Florida's swamplands. State wildlife officials say the python hunt was a success in raising public awareness about invasive species which also includes feral cats, black -and-white tegu lizards and Cuban tree frogs. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)

Bill Booth of Bradenton, Fla. stretches out a dead Burmese python he caught, for students from the University of Florida to measure, in the Florida Everglades as part of the month long "Python Challenge." The large snakes are an invasive species and are considered a menace to Florida's swamplands. State wildlife officials say the python hunt was a success in raising public awareness about invasive species which also includes feral cats, black -and-white tegu lizards and Cuban tree frogs. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)

Python Challenge 2013

MIAMI — There's a new winning snake in the state's "Python Challenge."

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said Sunday that Blake Russ of Fruitland Park should have won $1,500 for bagging the longest Burmese python. Russ competed with hunters holding special permits for harvesting pythons.

Ruben Ramirez of Miami was given the prize Saturday for a snake more than 10 feet long. Wildlife officials say Ramirez will keep his prize money. Russ will get $1,500 of his own for a snake more than 11 feet long.

University of Florida professor Frank Mazzotti says the mix-up was his mistake. Unlike other snakes killed in the hunt, Russ' snake was released with a tracking device.

Among competitors without the python permits, Paul Shannon of Lehigh Acres won $1,500 for 14-foot-3-inch snake.

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