Florida sets 2025 Python Challenge dates—and it could help save the Everglades

2025 Python Challenge – Burmese Pythons — Courtesy: Shutterstock — Heiko Kiera As part of a larger conservation initiative to save the Everglades from invasive Burmese pythons, Florida wildlife officials have announced the dates for the 2025 Florida Python Challenge. The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission

The Florida Everglades’ mercury levels are increased by sulfur runoff

Aerial View of Florida Everglades at Sunset Hour – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by ocudrone According to recent study from the University of California, Davis, sulfur used on sugarcane crops in South Florida is seeping into wetlands of Everglades National Park, where it sets off a chemical process that turns mercury into dangerous methylmercury, which

Everglades and other Florida parks are affected by national park cutbacks

National parks – Aerial View of Florida Everglades at Sunset Hour – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by ocudrone Following the Trump administration’s massive cuts to the National Park Service this month, employees at a number of Florida national parks, including Big Cypress and the Everglades, were let go. Why it matters: Layoffs may result in

In the Florida Everglades, “Godzilla” the alligator drags a huge Burmese python across the water

Alligator with its mouth open — Courtesy: Shutterstock — Ernie Hounshell In the Florida Everglades, a massive Burmese python was reportedly seen being towed through the water by a big alligator. The alligator, known as “Godzilla,” is shown in the video, which was taken on Thanksgiving Day from the Shark Valley observation tower by Kelly

500-pound python mound discovered in a Florida wetland

Python on trail – Courtesy: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 500 pounds of snakes were discovered by a team of trackers in a swamp in South Florida last month, according to the Miami Herald. A 7-foot-wide mound containing 11 pythons was found by officials on public land near Naples on February 21, according to

Disney Cruise Line builds a second location in Port Everglades, Florida

Disney cruise line – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Dan Komarcha Disney Cruise Line didn’t simply paint Cruise Terminal 4, which was abandoned, to become its second year-round residence at Port Everglades. According to Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager for the line, it received a makeover that included new floors and a

A 198-pound Burmese python was captured in Florida after it battled five men

Burmese Python in the Everglades – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Heiko Kiera While scouting for pythons at Florida’s Big Cypress National Preserve, conservationist Mike Elfenbein and his teenage son noticed the longest snake they had ever seen crawling across the gravel road.  Elfenbein told CBS News, “It was more than a snake; it was

Florida purchases panther habitat where native leader lived during the Seminole Wars

Davie, FL, USA – Photo of Major William Lauderdale and The Seminole Wars memorial statue – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Felix Mizioznikov In an effort to aid wildlife in moving north and away from the center of the Everglades, the state recently purchased a sizable portion of land close to Devil’s Garden in Hendry

A Burmese python as long as a giraffe’s height was caught in Florida

Burmese Python — Courtesy: Shutterstock — Heiko Kiera In the Big Cypress National Preserve in South Florida, local hunters this week captured a 19-foot Burmese python, the biggest one ever measured. To put the catch in perspective, consider that the snake is the same height as an adult giraffe. Jake Waleri, 22, who is from

How to win a $10,000 grand prize for Florida python hunting

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