While these hunts have been panned as barbaric, none came with a cash prize like the $25,000 up for grabs during FWC's annual "Florida Python Challenge."
This specific bloodsport event began in 2013 and, for the first time this year, will include the Florida Everglades as one of eight hunting grounds, according to FWC.
"Every Burmese python removed from our iconic Florida Everglades means one less invasive snake negatively impacting our native wildlife," FWC Executive Director Roger Young said in a statement. "This annual event encourages the public to get involved in removing nonnative species while raising awareness worldwide about invasive species and what people can do to help."
What Is Florida's Python Challenge?
The event, which began in 2013, is hailed by officials as a way to remove Burmese pythons, which are considered an invasive species. Registered hunters are encouraged to "humanely kill" as many Burmese pythons as possible.Whoever racks up the highest kill count takes home the $10,000 grand prize from FWC, the killer of the longest snake takes home $1,000, and various other categories offer $1,000 to $2,500 prizes, according to FWC.
Why Is It Happening?
Burmese pythons aren't indigenous to Florida and prey on native species like birds, rodents, and reptiles, according to FWC. Since 2000, more than 23,000 Burmese pythons have been reported removed from Florida’s environment. That may not be surprising once you realize Burmese pythons can live up to 30 years and lay more than 100 eggs at a time, according to Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute.Who Regulates It?
FWC sets rules for the hunt, which include a $25 registration fee and an online training course. Hunters must sign legal documents affirming that their python submissions and data sheets accurately reflect the number of Burmese pythons they’ve killed.
In 2024, Ronald Kiger killed 20 of the 195 pythons counted by FWC, according to Naples Daily News, earning the ultimate grand prize of $10,000 for removing the most pythons (that's $500 per python, for all our side hustling queens and kings).
When Does It Start?
The challenge begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday and runs until 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 20.Where Are the Hunting Grounds?
There are eight approved hunting locations for the challenge this year, and almost all are in South Florida.Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area in Jerome
Everglades and Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area, west of greater Miami
Everglades National Park
Frog Pong North Public Small Game Hunting Area near Homestead
Holey Land Wildlife Management Area south of Lake Okeechobee
Rocky Glades Public Small Game Hunting Area Southwest of Homestead
Rotenberger Wildlife Management Area south of Lake Okeechobee
Southern Glades Wildlife and Environmental Area south of Florida City
