While a mass hunt is underway in Florida to catch as many pythons as possible in South Florida, the invasive snakes still occasionally slither through Brevard – and have been doing so for years.
According to the University of Georgia’s Center for Invasive Species, 25 sightings of invasive pythons have been documented in Brevard County, including several this summer.
Pythons will swallow any animal that comes their way that looks like their lunch and spread deadly parasitic diseases to our native snakes. But biologists are unclear about the long-term ecological impact of the snakes and the best methods to control these diseases.
In the meantime, they try to catch as many people as possible.
The Python Challenge continues until Sunday
More: How far north will pythons move? As the Florida Python Contest begins, people want to know: How far north will the snakes go?
The 2024 Florida Python Challenge began on August 9, and this year’s event lasted until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 18, with participants searching for and removing invasive Burmese pythons in the Everglades.
Hundreds of people have registered to win prizes valued at up to $10,000, but the goal of the event is to protect Florida’s native wildlife and the unique Everglades ecosystem.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, South Florida Water Management District and Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida host the annual contest to raise awareness of invasive species in the state and the threats they pose to Florida’s ecology. The annual contest also provides the public with an opportunity to directly support Everglades conservation through the removal of invasive species.
The University of Florida is using radio telemetry to spy on the snake when it looks for love in the wrong places, particularly in the Everglades.
Not all pythons are gentle. Earlier this year, python hunter Amy Siewe encountered a pair of snakes fighting back.
“Florida’s incredible natural resources are unlike any other place in the world,” said Roger Young, FWC executive director, in a press release. “Governor Ron DeSantis’ support has been critical to our efforts to remove and control harmful, invasive species like Burmese pythons.”
The Python Challenge, Young added, “has become a catalyst for people to learn more about the threats posed by invasive species in the state and how they can help protect our native wildlife and unique ecosystems.”
“Removing invasive pythons from the entire Everglades ecosystem is critical and we must do everything we can to combat this invasive species,” said “Alligator Ron” Bergeron, a member of the South Florida Water Management District board of directors, in the press release.
You would like to participate but are not yet registered?
Until the last day of the competition, participants can still take the required online training and register at FLPythonChallenge.org. The registration fee is $25. To complete their registration for this year’s event, participants must complete the required online training.
How much is the prize money?
This year, a total of $25,000 in cash prizes are available. Contestants can win the $10,000 grand prize for removing the most pythons during the competition. They can also win other cash prizes for the most and longest pythons removed in three different categories, including novice, professional and military categories.
Prizes will be awarded at a later date following the contest, courtesy of our sponsors and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida.
Where can I learn more about the annual Python Challenge?
The Florida Python Challenge is a 10-day competition created by the FWC to encourage people to remove pythons from several commission-managed areas in South Florida.
Visit FLPythonChallenge.org to register for the competition, take online training, learn more about Burmese pythons and the unique Everglades ecosystem, and find resources for planning your trip to South Florida to participate in the 2024 Florida Python Challenge.
About invasive Burmese pythons
The Burmese python is a large, nonvenomous constrictor snake that is an invasive species in Florida. Burmese pythons were introduced to Florida from the pet trade in the 1980s and are now widespread in the Everglades, where the snake poses a threat to the ecosystem.
Burmese pythons are found primarily in and around the Everglades ecosystem in southern Florida, where they prey on birds, mammals, and other reptiles. A female Burmese python can lay 50 to 100 eggs at a time.
According to the FWC, more than 21,000 Burmese pythons have been removed from the state since 2000.
Where can I learn more about Burmese pythons?
Visit MyFWC.com/Python.
Who do I call if I see an invasive python?
Sightings of Burmese pythons can be reported to the FWC Exotic Species Hotline at 888-Ive-Got1 (483-4681). Pythons must be humanely killed on site at the time of capture. Transport of live pythons is not permitted.
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Contact Waymer at (321) 261-5903 or [email protected]. Follow him on X at @JWayEnviro.
