Annual Burmese Python Hunt Begins In FL Everglades

The Associated Press reports:

Friday marked the start of the annual Florida Python Challenge, where hunters head into the Everglades to track down invasive Burmese pythons in hopes of grabbing a share of $30,000 in prizes. The annual 10-day hunt, which started more than a decade ago, promotes public awareness of issues with invasive species in Florida while engaging the public in Everglades conversation.

Over the past decade, the python challenge has grabbed headlines for its incentive-based, only-in-Florida style of hunting as well as celebrity participation. This year, more than 600 people registered for the event, with 108 from other states. During the challenge, hunters will linger around designated areas spanning through Broward County to the Tamiami Trail in the Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area.

Read the full article. According to Florida Fish & Wildlife, there are as many as 300,000 Burmese pythons slithering around the Everglades (and occasionally into suburban backyards). Adult Burmese pythons can reach up to 15 feet in length and can weight up to 150 pounds. Local experts say they have decimated native populations of raccoons, foxes, bobcats, rabbits, and white-tailed deer.

Snake hunters will wrangle invasive Burmese pythons in Everglades during Florida’s 10-day challengehttps://t.co/Ys7xRbKlLW

— South Florida Sun Sentinel (@SunSentinel) August 9, 2024