HOMESTEAD, Fla. – The Florida Python Challenge is now open for registration.
The challenge is held yearly in the Everglades to combat the growing number of the invasive Burmese Python species in South Florida, News 6 partner WPLG-TV reported.
Now in its 11th year, the competition will run for ten days, from Aug. 9-19.
Lt. Governor Jeanette Nuñez held a press conference at the S-356 Pump Station along U.S. Highway 41 in Homestead on Thursday morning to discuss the event.
She was joined by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Executive Director Roger Young and South Florida Water Management District Board Member Ron Bergeron.
Last year, nearly 200 pythons were removed from the Everglades, with almost 1,050 people participating.
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Both professional and novice participants are invited to compete in removing Burmese pythons from the Everglades.
The python, which can weigh up to 200 pounds and grow up to 20 feet long, is wreaking havoc on the natural food chain of the Everglades.
On Thursday, a professional trapper demonstrated how to capture these snakes.
“The snake is most comfortable on the ground, and once you start lifting, that’s when it starts to react,” he said.
Prizes will be awarded for the longest snake caught and for the individual who catches the most.
Last year, Paul Hobbs, of Tennessee, removed 20 Burmese pythons, bringing home the $10,000 Ultimate Grand Prize, courtesy of the Bergeron Everglades Foundation.
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Novice hunter Amy Siewe also won a prize for the longest python captured, measuring 10 feet, 9 inches long.
Ultimately, the Florida Everglades was the big winner after hundreds of invasive Burmese pythons were removed from the Everglades during the nearly 10-day competition.
A spokesperson with the FPC said pythons can lay up to 100 eggs and become a devastating situation for the Everglades and the ecosystem when the invasive species are on top of the food chain.
The challenge not only allows for public participation, but also contributes to Everglades restoration efforts, providing a valuable public service.
Click here for more information.
To learn more about opportunities to remove pythons year-round outside of the Florida Python Challenge, click here.