In an effort to control invasive python populations in Florida, the annual Python Challenge is now accepting registrations. This python hunting competition, which takes place from August 9 to August 18, allows people from around the world to participate, whether they are professional or amateur hunters. Participants can win bonuses of over 25,000 USD in various categories such as longest python and most pythons caught.
Burmese pythons were introduced to Florida in the 1970s as pets released into the wild and have since disrupted the native ecosystem. These snakes are native to Asia and thrive in Florida’s subtropical climate. They have become a significant problem, eating rare native wildlife such as bobcats and alligators. With large females capable of carrying 50-100 eggs at a time, their populations have grown out of control. The Burmese python is an apex predator and one of the world’s largest snakes.
While the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission works year-round to eliminate pythons, the annual competition provides an opportunity to remove multiple pythons in one go. Participants must complete an online training course but do not need a hunting license to take part. Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez emphasized the state’s commitment to protecting its natural resources by eradicating invasive pythons at the competition kickoff event.
The competition aims to control widespread python populations in the Everglades wetlands, where some of the largest pythons have been found. In 2022, a nearly 5.5-meter python carrying 122 eggs was captured in the Everglades, autopsy results revealed that it had consumed a native white-tailed deer. Last year over 1,000 people registered for the competition leading to capture and removal of 209 pythons from Everglades.
Overall this challenge presents an opportunity for individuals around the world to come together and help protect Florida’s natural resources by controlling invasive python populations with community support
