- The Florida challenge gives snake hunters a chance to win a share of the $30,000 prize.
- The top prize of $10,000 will be awarded to the participant who kills the most Burmese pythons.
- Officials say the Burmese python is an invasive species and harmful to Everglades ecosystems.
The annual competition in Florida gives participants the chance to win over $30,000 in prizes this summer. But if you’re afraid of snakes, you probably shouldn’t do this.
Registration opened last week 2023 Florida Python Challenge.
In the 10-day competition, which runs August 4-13, participants assume the role of python hunters and aim to rid as many Burmese pythons as possible from the ecosystems of the Florida Everglades.
The participant who removes the most pythons wins the Grand Prix. $10,000 cash prize. Sponsored by the Bergeron Everglades Foundation, the Grand Prix runner-up also has his $7,500 cash prize. Space Coast Daily.
Anyone who inhumanely kills a python during the competition will be disqualified.
Joe Radle/Getty Images
Burmese pythons are invading Florida, and officials say the species is harming native wildlife by preying on birds, mammals and reptiles.
“Nowhere in the world can match the American Everglades. We must continue to protect and restore this national treasure,” said South Florida Water Management District Commissioner “Alligator Ron” Bergeron. Stated. said in a statement. “The elimination of invasive pythons from the entire Greater Everglades ecosystem is extremely important and we must do everything we can to combat this invasive species.”
Last year, about 1,000 people from 32 provinces, Canada and Latvia signed up for the challenge. Participants then cleared the area of 231 Burmese pythons, double the 2020 challenge.
The invasive Burmese python is damaging Florida’s natural ecosystem.
Joe Macdonald/Getty Images
Professional snake hunters and novices are welcome, but all participants are required to complete an online training before registering for the event.
According to the challenge’s website, the training will teach participants how to recognize a Burmese python, as well as “humane method of killing. “
Participants will be disqualified if found to have inhumanely killed a python.