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During Florida’s 10-day challenge, hunters will capture invasive Burmese pythons in Everglades.


The annual Florida Python Challenge kicked off in Everglades, with participants hunting invasive Burmese pythons to earn a part of $30,000 in prizes. The event aims to raise awareness about invasive species in Florida and engage the public in conservation efforts. Over the past decade, the challenge has gained attention for its unique hunting style and celebrity participants. This year, more than 600 people from various states and even Canada registered for the event.

Hunters will target designated areas in South Florida, aiming to humanely kill as many pythons as possible. Prizes are divided among professional hunters, military personnel, veterans, and novice hunters. The grand prize winner can receive up to $10,000 for the most kills. In 2017, contractors were hired year-round to address the invasive python problem, resulting in the removal of thousands of pythons.

Despite its initial intent to raise awareness, some participants, like self-named Python Huntress Amy Siewe, express concerns about the challenge potentially scaring off pythons and harming native snakes. Siewe, who won a prize last year for catching a 10-foot python, believes the event may be counterproductive to its conservation goals. Participants must undergo online training to properly identify Burmese pythons and ensure humane capture.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission encourages the public to understand the risks associated with non-native species and to avoid releasing them into the environment. The annual Python Challenge serves as a platform to address the issue of invasive species and engage the community in conservation efforts.

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www.nbcnews.com

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