Burmese Python in the Everglades – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Heiko Kiera
This summer, competitors in a Florida python tournament have the potential to take home a portion of over $30,000 in prizes. However, individuals who are afraid of snakes should certainly pass on this.
The Florida Python Challenge registration period for 2023 began last week.
Participants in the 10-day tournament, which takes place from August 4 to August 13, will assume the role of python hunters and attempt to exterminate as many Burmese pythons from the Everglades habitat in Florida as they can.
The contestant who kills the most snakes will receive a $10,000 grand prize. According to Space Coast Daily, the Bergeron Everglades Foundation is providing a $7,500 second-place reward.
Officials claim that Burmese pythons are an invasive species in Florida and that they have harmed native fauna by preying on birds, animals, and reptiles.
“Alligator Ron” Bergeron, a member of the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board, stated in a statement, “There is nowhere in the world like America’s Everglades, and we need to continue protecting and restoring this national treasure.” It is imperative that invasive pythons be eliminated from the Greater Everglades Ecosystem as a whole, and we must take all necessary measures to stop this alien species.
A little over 1,000 individuals from 32 states, Canada, and Latvia enrolled for the challenge the previous year. Participants also eliminated 231 Burmese pythons from the area, which is twice as many as in the 2020 challenge.
Professional and amateur snake hunters are also invited, but before anyone can sign up for the event, they must all undergo online training.
According to the challenge website, training includes instruction on “humane killing methods” as well as how to recognize Burmese pythons.
If participants are proven to have murdered a python cruelly, they will be disqualified from the competition.
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Chris began his writing as a hobby while attending Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. Today he and his wife live in the Orlando area with their three children and dog.
