TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The annual Florida Python Problem begins Friday, providing individuals an opportunity to compete for $25,000 in prizes whereas serving to take away invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades.
The annual occasion runs from 12:01 a.m. July 10 via 5 p.m. July 19. Registration is open to individuals eager about serving to take away Burmese pythons from designated public lands in South Florida.
The problem is designed to lift consciousness about invasive species whereas lowering the inhabitants of Burmese pythons, which have change into one of many biggest threats to native wildlife within the Everglades.
The participant who removes essentially the most pythons will obtain the $10,000 Final Grand Prize. The competitors additionally acknowledges the longest single python eliminated. More money prizes shall be awarded within the skilled, novice and army divisions for each essentially the most pythons eliminated and the longest python.
Individuals should register on-line and full a required coaching course earlier than competing. Organizers additionally present instructional supplies about Burmese pythons, the Everglades ecosystem and optionally available coaching alternatives.
Florida wildlife officers say Burmese pythons prey on native birds, mammals and reptiles and have contributed to vital declines in a number of Everglades mammal populations. The snakes are native to Southeast Asia and have established breeding populations all through South Florida.
Outdoors the annual competitors, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation permits year-round python elimination on 32 commission-managed properties. Burmese pythons may additionally be humanely killed on non-public property with the landowner’s permission and not using a allow or looking license.
The occasion is supported by the Fish & Wildlife Basis of Florida and personal sponsors, together with Inversa, which donated $10,000 towards conservation efforts via this yr’s problem.
