The Florida Python Challenge is an annual event aimed at removing invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades ecosystem. The event, sponsored by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, began in 2013, making it an ongoing effort for over 11 years.
The Hunt So Far
Participants are deep in the Everglades this week, battling the invasive Burmese python population. This year’s competition, kicked off on August 9. The annual event has drawn hunters from across the nation, all eager to make a difference and possibly take home some serious prizes. The challenge runs until 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 18, and with more than $25,000 in rewards on the line, the stakes are as high as ever.
The adventure began at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 9, 2024, and runs until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 18, 2024. The Challenge includes hunts in some of Florida’s most breathtaking and challenging landscapes, including:
- Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area (WMA)
- Everglades and Francis S. Taylor WMA
- Frog Pond Public Small Game Hunting Area
- Holey Land WMA
- Rocky Glades Public Small Game Hunting Area
- Rotenberger WMA
- Southern Glades Wildlife and Environmental Area (WEA)
Over the past few days, hundreds of registered participants have spread out across the designated wildlife management areas. Their mission? To remove as many Burmese pythons as possible. These giant snakes, known for their devastating impact on native wildlife, are primarily targeted because they have no natural predators in Florida and reproduce rapidly, causing significant ecological damage.
Last year’s 2023 Florida Python Challenge took place from August 4 to August 13, 2023, and involved 1,050 participants from 35 states and Belgium, who collectively removed 209 pythons during the event. Paul Hobbs emerged as the Ultimate Grand Prize Winner, successfully capturing 20 pythons throughout the competition.
With this year’s registrants hailing from 35 states and even international locations, the 2024 challenge demonstrates the global concern for preserving Florida’s unique ecosystems. Not everyone feels that way though…..
No Longer A Fan
Last year, Amy Siewe aka “The Python Huntress” won the competition for capturing the longest Python, measuring 10 feet, nine inches. A long time professional conservationist, Siewe now believes the challenge does more harm than good. A recent posting on her Facebook page would seem to indicate she has completely changed her views on the competition and will no longer participate.
Our native species are at risk. I believe this challenge is counterproductive. So, I’ll be having knee surgery instead. – Amy Siewe, “The Python Huntress” on Facebook
A Unique Opportunity for Conservation
The Python Challenge is more than just a competition; it’s a vital part of ongoing conservation efforts in Florida. FWC Executive Director Roger Young emphasized the importance of public involvement, noting that the challenge allows everyday citizens to contribute to the protection of native species. South Florida Water Management District Governing Board Member “Alligator Ron” Bergeron echoed this sentiment, highlighting the Everglades as a national treasure that requires active protection.
The Prizes
While the thrill of the hunt drives many participants, the challenge also offers significant monetary rewards. The top prize of $10,000 will go to the hunter who captures the most pythons, with additional prizes for the longest python and the most captured by novices, professionals, and military personnel. These incentives, generously supported by sponsors like the Bergeron Everglades Foundation and Inversa Leathers, are designed to encourage as many people as possible to get involved.
Get Involved—It’s Not Too Late!
For those who haven’t joined the hunt but still want to help, there are plenty of ways to contribute. The FWC offers year-round opportunities to remove pythons, including the option to humanely kill pythons on private land with the owner’s permission. Additionally, virtual classes through the Python Patrol program provide education on invasive species management. And if you spot a python or other nonnative species, you can report it using the IVEGOT1 app, helping track and manage the invasive population.
The 2024 Florida Python Challenge is more than halfway through, but the excitement is far from over. As hunters continue their efforts in the coming days, all eyes will be on the Everglades to see who emerges victorious and how many pythons will be removed this year. Whether you’re a participant or a supporter, this event is a testament to the power of community action in conservation.
For more information, or to follow the final days of the challenge, visit flpythonchallenge.org.
