The 2024 Florida Python Challenge™ commenced at 12:01 a.m. on August 9, with participants scouring the Everglades to locate and remove invasive Burmese pythons. Hundreds have registered for the chance to win up to $10,000 in prizes while contributing to the protection of Florida’s native wildlife and the Everglades ecosystem.
Governor Ron DeSantis, along with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the South Florida Water Management District, and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, is spearheading this annual event aimed at raising awareness about invasive species in Florida and their ecological threats. The competition also provides an opportunity for public involvement in Everglades conservation through invasive species removal. This year’s event will run until 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 18.
“Florida’s incredible natural resources are like nowhere else in the world. Governor Ron DeSantis’ support has been critical in our efforts to remove and manage harmful, invasive species such as Burmese pythons,” said FWC Executive Director Roger Young. “Thanks to our partners and Governor DeSantis’ support, the Florida Python Challenge™ has become a catalyst for people to learn more about the threats of invasive species in the state and how they can help protect our native wildlife and unique ecosystems.”
“The iconic Everglades is a national treasure and the Florida Python Challenge™ is a great way to get the public involved in understanding the unique Everglades ecosystem. Removing invasive pythons from across the Greater Everglades Ecosystem is critical, and we must do everything we can to combat this invasive species,” stated South Florida Water Management District Governing Board Member “Alligator Ron” Bergeron. “We continue to expedite Everglades restoration efforts thanks to the support of Governor Ron DeSantis and we’ll continue working to protect south Florida’s natural resources. Thank you to all the staff from the South Florida Water Management District and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission who worked to facilitate this year’s python challenge. Long live the Everglades!”
For those interested but not yet registered, there remains an opportunity to participate by completing required online training and registering until August 18 at FLPythonChallenge.org. There is a $25 registration fee, with participants needing to pass online training before completing their registration.
This year offers $25,000 in cash prizes, including a $10,000 Ultimate Grand Prize for removing most pythons during competition timeframes. Additional cash prizes are available for most or longest pythons removed across novice, professional, and military categories. Prizes will be awarded after competition courtesy of sponsors like Bergeron Everglades Foundation ($10K), Inversa Leathers ($10K), Edison National Bank/Bank of Islands (Gold Level), Dakota Matting (Silver Level). All proceeds aid conservation efforts via this year's challenge.
To register or learn more about Burmese pythons or plan participation logistics visit FLPythonChallenge.org where additional training outposts are available during opening weekend from August 9-11.
Burmese pythons negatively impact native Floridian species predominantly within south Floridian regions such as around Everglade ecosystems preying upon birds mammals reptiles alike; female Burmese lay between fifty-hundred eggs each clutch over twenty-one thousand have been removed since two-thousand find further details MyFWC.com/Python