WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The annual Florida Python Challenge has officially kicked off, inviting hunters into the Everglades to combat the invasive Burmese python population while competing for a total prize pool of $30,000.
This 10-day event, which has been ongoing for over a decade, aims to raise public awareness about the invasive species issue in Florida and foster dialogue on preservation efforts in the Everglades. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission emphasizes the importance of educating the public about the detrimental impacts of non-native species.
Burmese pythons have become a staple challenge for wildlife management, with dire consequences for local ecosystems. “The presence of these invasive snakes poses a significant threat to our natural habitats,” noted a wildlife expert.
The event has garnered significant media attention over the years, attracting over 600 participants this year, including hunters from Canada and beyond. Contestants will navigate designated areas from western Broward County to the Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area in their quest to capture pythons.
Participants aim to humanely remove as many pythons as possible, with prizes awarded in three distinct categories: professional hunters, military personnel and veterans, and novice hunters. Categories feature rewards of $2,500 for the most kills, $1,500 for the second most, and $1,000 for the longest python; the overall grand prize for the most kills across all categories is $10,000.
Each participant is limited to one prize, ensuring equitable distribution among hunters. In 2017, measures were introduced to hire professional contractors for year-round python removal efforts, leading to over 11,000 pythons being extracted to date.
Last year’s challenge yielded 209 pythons, with the grand prize awarded to a hunter capturing 20 snakes. Additionally, wildlife contractors removed approximately 2,200 pythons in 2023 alone.
One notable former participant, known as the Python Huntress, who previously won recognition for capturing a 10-foot-9-inch python, has opted out of this year’s challenge due to health reasons. Citing concerns over the challenge’s impact on python behavior and potential harm to native species, she voiced doubts about the effectiveness of large-scale hunting events.
Each participant must complete an online training program that focuses on how to accurately identify Burmese pythons compared to other snake species. In-person training sessions are also offered to enhance hunters’ skills in safe and humane python capture.
Education and awareness remain crucial components of the challenge, as officials aim to equip participants with the knowledge necessary to effectively tackle the invasive python issue while preserving Florida’s cherished ecosystems.
