Hundreds of Snake Hunters Take Part in Annual Florida Python Challenge Designed to Curb Invasive Species

Each contestant has a chance to win up to $10,000 at the end of the 10-day competition, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

The annual Florida Python Challenge is here as the state continues its efforts to curb the population of invasive Burmese pythons.

Hundreds of snake hunters are currently registered for this year’s 10-day hunt, which began Friday, Aug. 9, according to a news release from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Each contestant has a chance to win up to $10,000 for removing the most pythons throughout the multi-day competition, which ends on Sunday, Aug. 18.

In addition to catching the most pythons, participants at the novice, professional and military levels can also earn prizes for the longest python removed.

In a statement, “Alligator Ron” Bergeron, Governing Board Member of the South Florida Water Management District, said the challenge “is a great way to get the public involved in understanding the unique Everglades ecosystem.”

Related: 'Highly Venomous' Snake Found in Child's Bed Trying to Blend in with Kid's 'Cuddly Toys'

“Removing invasive pythons from across the Greater Everglades Ecosystem is critical, and we must do everything we can to combat this invasive species,” Bergeron added.

Burmese pythons “are found primarily in and around the Everglades ecosystem in south Florida,” according to the FWC. Females can lay between 50 and 100 eggs at a time, making their population difficult to manage.

Enter the Florida Python Challenge, which is offering more than $25,000 in prizes this year to those who help catch the invasive snakes.

Related: Father Dies From Snakebite While Trying to Remove Venomous Snake From Childcare Center

Since its conception, FWC Executive Director Roger Young said the challenge “has become a catalyst for people to learn more about the threats of invasive species in the state and how they can help protect our native wildlife and unique ecosystems.”

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The goal of the snake-catching competition is “to increase awareness about invasive species in the state and the threats they pose to Florida’s ecology,” according to the FWC.

The Florida Python Challenge offers members of the public “an opportunity to get directly involved in Everglades conservation through invasive species removal,” the commission added in its news release.

Sarah Funck, wildlife impact management section leader with FWC, said Burmese pythons have become “well-established” through much of South Florida since they were introduced to the area, according to CBS affiliate WFOR-TV.

A large part of the challenge, Funck said, is getting people to understand how dangerous invasive species can be.

Related: 'Resilient' Python Invasion in Florida Could Be 'Impossible' to Stop, U.S Officials Say

“When you have a non-native species present in the state for whatever purpose, don't let it loose, that can be really detrimental to our environment," she explained.

Those interested in registering for the competition can still take the required online training course and sign up “until the last day,” according to the FWC. Participants must pass the training and pay a $25 fee in order to compete.

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