Catch Snakes, Win Cash and Prizes: The Florida Python Challenge
Eugene L. 06.06.23
You heard that right, catch some pythons and potentially win thousands in cash. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors this year, participants of the 2023 Florida Python Challenge have the chance to win their share of thousands of dollars in cash prizes. This event is being hosted by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). It features a grand prize of $10,000 sponsored by Inversa Leather, with a runner-up grand prize of $7500 sponsored by the Bergeron Everglades Foundation.
“This year we’re going to have $30,000 worth of prizes,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. “We want to thank the private sector. Without them we couldn’t offer such great incentives.”
There will also be other prizes awarded in the three categories of professionals, novices, and military. These are courtesy of Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida.
The 2023 Florida Python Challenge will take place from August 4th-13th, and is meant to get people directly involved in conservation efforts in the Florida Everglades by helping in the removal of invasive species. To register for the challenge visit FLPythonChallenge.org, there you can complete the required online training and view optional other training opportunities. Also, learn more about the target species the invasive Burmese Python along with the unique Everglades ecosystem. Resources are also available on the site for planning your trip to south Florida to participate in the Florida Python Challenge.
The Invasive Burmese Python
The Burmese Python (Python bivittatus) is one of the longest snakes in the world and hails from southeast Asia. Typically growing up to 16 feet in length there have been unconfirmed reports of snakes as long as 23 feet in length. While considered a vulnerable Red List endangered species in their native range, they are an invasive pest in South Florida that negatively effects the native wildlife and ecosystem. Originally brought in as pets, they are now in the wild eating native birds, mammals, and other reptiles. Since 2000 more than 18,000 Burmese pythons have been reported to the FWC as removed.
