Hunters in Florida will track down and remove invasive Burmese pythons during 10-day challenge in Everglades

The Florida Python Challenge is an annual 10-day hunt that aims to raise awareness about the issue of invasive Burmese pythons in the Everglades. The challenge offers $30,000 in prizes for hunters who are able to humanely kill as many pythons as possible. Participants can register from all over the country, with more than 600 people signing up for this year’s event. The hunt takes place in designated areas in South Florida, with prizes available for professional hunters, military veterans, and novice hunters. In past years, contractors have been hired to remove pythons year-round in an effort to address the invasive species problem. Last year’s challenge saw 209 pythons removed, with the grand prize winner bagging 20 pythons. While some participants like Amy Siewe, also known as the Python Huntress, have expressed concerns about the impact of the challenge on native snake populations, organizers emphasize the importance of proper identification and humane capture techniques. The goal of the challenge is to educate the public about the dangers of non-native species and promote conservation efforts in the Everglades.

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