Unwanted guests are slithering all over the Everglades and training to remove them in anticipation of the 2023 Florida Python Challenge begins on Thursday.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Burmese pythons are a threat to native wildlife. They are predominantly found in Asia, and are also found in parts of eastern India through Vietnam and southern China.
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To attend the virtual Python Patrol training session with biologists from 7 p.m.- 8 p.m. on July 20, click on this link. Additional sessions will also be held on Aug. 17 and Sept. 21.
According to the FWC website, the training will cover:
- Information on Burmese pythons in Florida
- Species identification
- How to search for pythons
- Safe capture techniques
- How to humanely kill a python
- Reporting pythons to the FWC
- Live instruction on techniques from a biologist
- Real-time audience Q & A
Adventurous Floridians can participate in the challenge beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 4 through Friday, Aug. 13 at 5 p.m.
During the challenge, the Burmese pythons must be removed and killed from participating areas to be considered as valid entries in the competition.
Participants can register in three categories, novice, military or professional. Prizes range from $1,000-$2,500 with the ultimate grand prize for most pythons removed as part of the competition at $10,000.
For more information about this year’s python challenge and how you can register, click here.