Registrations have officially opened for Florida's annual Python Challenge, which appeals for help from the public to keep the invasive python population in check.
The competition allows people around the world to hunt the Burmese pythons wreaking havoc in the Everglades, whether they are amateurs or experts. Participants can win over $25,000 in cash prizes. The challenge will run from August 9 to 18.
Prizes are distributed under several categories, including the longest snake and the largest number of snakes caught.
Burmese pythons were first introduced to the state in the 1970s, likely as exotic pets that were then released into the wild.
The snakes are native to Asia and so thrived in Florida's subtropical climate. Ever since, they have exploded in population and been extremely destructive to the native ecosystem. They feast on Florida's precious native wildlife, such as bobcats and sometimes even alligators. Large females can carry 50 to 100 eggs at a time, meaning their population has been spiraling out of control. Pregnant females are highly sought after during the competition given the huge number of eggs they can lay.
Burmese pythons are an apex predator, which is not preyed upon by any other animal, and one of the largest snake species in the world.
Although the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission tries to remove pythons from the state year-round, the annual challenge gives the state an opportunity to get rid of many at once.
Participants must complete online training before taking part, but no hunting permits are required. A person under 18 can take part if accompanied by a guardian.
"Florida continues to make record investments in protecting the state's unique natural resources for future generations, including the targeted removal of the invasive Burmese python," Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez said in a statement announcing this year's challenge. "I wish all participants a memorable and safe hunt, and I look forward to congratulating this year's winners."
The snake population is so widespread in the Everglades that one of the largest ever was found there in 2022. The huge snake measured nearly 18 feet and was carrying a record 122 eggs. After its capture, an autopsy found the female with hoof cores in its digestive tract, meaning her last meal was likely a native white-tailed deer.
Last year, 1,050 people registered for the competition. A total of 209 pythons were caught and removed from the Everglades.
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