Why is the 2024 Florida Python Challenge inviting participants to hunt snakes?

But why is this event so significant?

Burmese python invasion

Burmese pythons, which can grow over 18 feet long and weigh more than 200 pounds, were first identified in Everglades National Park in 2000.

These massive snakes were likely introduced to the area by pet owners who either intentionally or accidentally released them. Since then, the pythons have become one of the most destructive invasive species in the park’s history, rapidly spreading across southern Florida.

The species thrives in the humid, tropical environment of the Everglades, with females capable of laying up to 100 eggs at a time. Their diet is vast, and they have disrupted the region’s food web, contributing to the decline of native species such as possums, bobcats, and raccoons.

Combatting ecological crisis

In 2023, the challenge resulted in the removal of 209 pythons. (AP photo)

The Florida Python Challenge was created to address this ecological crisis. The event encourages the public to engage with the unique Everglades ecosystem while helping to reduce the python population.

“Removing invasive pythons from across the Greater Everglades Ecosystem is critical, and we must do everything we can to combat this invasive species,” said South Florida Water Management District Governing Board Member “Alligator Ron” Bergeron.

Participants in the challenge are tasked with humanely killing as many Burmese pythons as possible.

The pythons are not protected in Florida, but the state’s anti-cruelty laws still apply.

Firearms are not allowed; instead, hunters must follow an approved two-step process that includes using a captive bolt and ensuring the snakes remain unconscious during the procedure.

Competitive spirit

The competition is divided into categories—Novice, Professional, and Military—with cash prizes awarded to those who catch the most pythons or the longest python.

The top prize of $10,000 will go to the individual who captures the most pythons overall, with additional prizes for the winners in each category.

In 2023, the challenge resulted in the removal of 209 pythons. However, some participants, like former state contractor and self-named “Python Huntress” Amy Siewe, have raised concerns about the event.

Siewe, who won last year’s prize for the longest python, believes that the growing popularity of the challenge might be counterproductive, as it draws large crowds that could scare off pythons and lead to the accidental killing of native snake species.

Why August?

The Florida Python Challenge is held in August because summer is prime time for snake hunting, particularly after sundown.

During the hot summer days, Burmese pythons are often sedentary, but at night, they become more active, making them easier to spot crossing levees or roadways.

The challenge spans several designated areas, including western Broward County, the Tamiami Trail in the Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area, and other spots within the Everglades.

Participants receive training—both in-person and online—on how to identify and humanely kill the pythons.

The event is part of a broader effort by the state to manage the Burmese python population. Since 2017, contractors hired by the South Florida Water Management District and the state have removed over 11,000 pythons, including more than 2,200 in 2023 alone.

(With inputs from Popular Science, Naples Daily News)