MIAMI -- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is looking to hire a few more python hunters.

The first phase of the program began July 17 and ran through Oct. 31. FWC issued 15 permits for capturing Burmese pythons, and hunters captured a total of 39 snakes.

The new permit period, which begins Jan. 1, requires potential permit holders to be Florida residents, have a digital camera and a GPS unit. They also must have experience in capturing wild snakes and working in remote areas.

Permit holders are required to photograph and mark GPS locations of captured snakes, file reports with the FWC and euthanize pythons.

Burmese pythons are a non-native species to Florida and North America, but they have spread throughout the Everglades region, with populations in the thousands.

Applications are available at MyFWC.com. Click on "Burmese Pythons" from the "Quick Clicks" menu.