Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez announced today that registration for the 2024 Florida Python Challenge® is now open. Participants will have the opportunity to win a share of more than $25,000 in prizes for removing invasive Burmese pythons from the wild. Starting today, those interested can complete the required online training to compete in the 10-day competition, which runs from August 9–18, 2024. The competition is open to both professional and novice participants.
"Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ unwavering dedication to Everglades restoration, Florida continues to make record investments in protecting the state’s unique natural resources for future generations, including the targeted removal of the invasive Burmese python,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “I wish all participants a memorable and safe hunt, and I look forward to congratulating this year’s winners.”
“Thanks to Governor Ron DeSantis and our partners with the South Florida Water Management District, FWC is once again hosting the world-famous Florida Python Challenge®,” said Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Executive Director Roger Young. “This event allows the public to get involved in protecting our native wildlife while competing to win thousands of dollars for their efforts removing Burmese pythons from our iconic Florida Everglades ecosystem, a place like nowhere else on Earth.”
“The great partnership between the South Florida Water Management District and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is critical as we continue to work together to protect the Greater Everglades Ecosystem, conserve native wildlife, and combat invasive pythons. We continue to expedite Everglades restoration efforts thanks to the support of Governor Ron DeSantis and Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez, and we’ll continue doing everything we can to protect this important ecosystem,” said South Florida Water Management District Governing Board Member “Alligator Ron” Bergeron. “The Everglades is one of the natural wonders of the world, and the Python Challenge is another great way to get people directly involved in its protection. Long live the Everglades!”
Interested parties can visit FlPythonChallenge.org to register for the competition, take required online training, view optional training opportunities, learn more about Burmese pythons and the Everglades ecosystem or find resources for planning a trip to South Florida.
The 2023 Florida Python Challenge® removed 209 invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades. A total of 917 pythons have been removed as a result of previous challenges. One thousand fifty people from 35 states (and Belgium) registered for last year's 10-day competition.
In addition to python removal opportunities on 32 commission-managed lands available year-round, pythons can be humanely killed on private lands at any time with landowner permission—no permit or hunting license required—and FWC encourages people to remove them whenever possible.
Prizes will also be awarded in professional, novice, and military categories courtesy of sponsors and Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida. Contributions include $10,000 each from Bergeron Everglades Foundation and Inversa Leathers; Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands donated $5,000.
Burmese pythons are not native to Florida and negatively impact native wildlife. They are primarily found in South Florida's Everglades ecosystem where they prey on birds, mammals, and other reptiles. A female may lay 50-100 eggs at a time. Since 2000, over 21,000 Burmese pythons have been reported removed by FWC.
For more information on Burmese pythons visit MyFWC.com/Python.
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