Hundreds of python hunters are currently combing the Everglades ecosystem in Southern Florida for the state’s annual Python Challenge.
Last year, 934 hunters participated in the 10-day event and removed 294 pythons. Python hunters came from 30 different states, as well as Canada, vying for the chance to catch the most snakes and the biggest snakes —— and pocket some serious prize money. Last year’s grand prize winner was Taylor Stanberry, who won $10,000 for catching the most pythons. She collected 60 of the invasive snakes and set a record for the event.
This year, $25,000 is offered to python hunters in different event categories. Beyond simply removing snakes, the challenge accomplishes a few key goals. It raises public awareness around invasive snakes in the Everglades ecosystem, and it teaches more people how to identify and remove the snakes.
“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 year, participants will be able to look for snakes inside the boundaries of Everglades National Park; there are a total of eight locations where competitors can look for the invasive snakes. Check out photos from past Python Challenges here:
Related: Watch Snake Hunters Catch the Longest Python Ever Recorded in Florida
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