Florida Hosts Annual Python Hunt

Everglades National Park and local organizations will host the Florida Python Challenge from July 10 to 19. Participants can trap and humanely dispatch Burmese pythons, depositing them at designated check stations. Prizes await those who collect the most snakes and the longest specimens.

These pythons arrived in Florida through the pet trade in the 1970s and now number between 100,000 and 300,000. They thrive in the subtropical climate and have decimated local wildlife. Last year’s challenge saw 934 participants remove a record 294 pythons from south Florida.

The competition requires an online safety course and prohibits firearms or hunting animals. Participants must use methods like air guns or pithing.

While the challenge removes snakes, a complete eradication remains elusive, and researchers continue to explore additional solutions. The event will continue annually to address the invasive species.