Video above: FWC updates on Burmese python removal efforts, shows how snakes are safely captured
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – The Florida Python Challenge is back after more than 200 invasive snakes were captured last year.
Contestants can win $25,000 in prizes for hunting large reptiles in the wild.
The South Florida Water Management District and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission organized the event to cull the snake population that is taking over the Everglades.
With no natural predators and plenty of native animals to feed on, Burmese pythons thrive in South Florida and can grow to more than 15 feet long. Females can lay up to 100 eggs at a time, according to the FWC.
“The Everglades are one of the natural wonders of the world, and the Python Challenge is another great way to get people directly involved in protecting the Everglades. Long live the Everglades,” SFWMD Board of Directors member “Alligator Ron” Bergeron said in a statement.
The hunt begins on August 9th and runs until August 18th. Online training is required before hunters can go out to remove pythons.
At a press conference on Thursday, Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez wished participants “a memorable and safe hunt.”
To register for the competition, visit the Florida Python Challenge website.
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