Florida Python Challenge ongoing in S. Florida through 5:00 pm, Aug. 13
The 2023 Florida Python Challenge started at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 4, 2023 and will run for 10 days, ending at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 13.
Thus far, this year’s Challenge boasts more than 840 registered participants from across Florida, the United States, and the world. The person who removes the most pythons, as part of the competition, will be awarded the Ultimate Grand Prize of $10,000, The second-place prize is $7,500. Additional prizes will be given for the most pythons removed in individual categories. Participants in military, professional, and novice categories can win cash prizes of up to $2,500 for removing the most pythons. There will be additional awards for runners up and for the longest pythons removed in all three categories.
There is a $25 registration fee) to compete in the Florida Python Challenge. People interested in competing can still register at FLPythonChallenge.org through the final day of the competition, August 13. At the same site, participants are required to take free online training; they can also learn more about Burmese pythons and the unique Everglades ecosystem, and find resources for planning a trip to South Florida to participate in the Florida Python Challenge.
The Florida Python Challenge is presented by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida to increase awareness about invasive species and the threats they pose to Florida’s ecology.
“The Florida Python Challenge provides a unique opportunity for people to become directly involved in Everglades conservation through invasive species removal,” said FWC Executive Director Roger Young.
“The state has taken unprecedented action to protect the Everglades and eliminate invasive Burmese pythons from across the landscape. Every python that is removed is making a difference to protect the Everglades and South Florida’s diverse and native wildlife,” said SFWMD Governing Board Member “Alligator Ron” Bergeron.
About invasive Burmese pythons
Burmese pythons are not native to Florida and negatively impact native species. They are found primarily in and around the Everglades ecosystem in South Florida where they prey on birds, mammals, and other reptiles. A female Burmese python may lay 50 to 100 eggs at a time. More than 17,000 Burmese pythons have been removed from Florida since 2000. Find more information on Burmese pythons here: myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/python.