Burmese Python. Photo: Vince Adam/Shutterstock.com
On Thursday, the Florida Python Challenge 2024 officially opened for registration.
From August 9–18, the yearly competition helps eradicate non-native, invasive Burmese pythons from seven lands controlled by the Commission in South Florida. It is available to both experts and beginners.
$10,000 will be awarded to the most pythons removed. There will be more rewards given out in the professional, novice, and military divisions.
Burmese pythons prey on native Florida species of animals, birds, and reptiles and pose a threat to the state’s ecology and native biodiversity.
“Thanks to Governor Ron DeSantis and our partners with the South Florida Water Management District, FWC is once again hosting the world-famous Florida Python Challenge®,” said Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Executive Director Roger Young. “This event allows the public to get involved in protecting our native wildlife while competing to win thousands of dollars for their efforts removing Burmese pythons from our iconic Florida Everglades ecosystem, a place like nowhere else on Earth.”
As a consequence of the Florida Python Challenge, 209 invasive Burmese pythons were eradicated from the Everglades last year, bringing the total number of snakes eliminated to 917.
1,050 participants from 35 states and Belgium signed up for the 10-day competition in 2023.
Apart from the annual challenge, there are year-round chances for python eradication on 32 lands maintained by the commission.
With the consent of the landowner, pythons may be mercifully killed at any time on private property. There is no need for a hunting license or permission. When feasible, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission notes, it urges people to remove and kill pythons on private property in a compassionate manner.
More than 21,000 Burmese pythons that were taken out of the ecosystem have been reported to the FWC since 2000.
Every participant in the Florida Python Challenge needs to read the regulations, complete the mandatory online training, and achieve at least 85 percent on the quiz.
Click here to learn more and register.
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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.
