The Python Challenge: 1,600 hunters, 68 snakes

Every winter season while I am in Florida, Burmese Pythons are in the news. Let’s hope this is the final blog in a 3-part series on them. This year 1,600 hunters optimistically bought $25 permits to hunt pythons in the Everglades. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission sponsored the month-long Python Challenge with prizes for the most successful hunters: most pythons (18), longest python (14 feet, 3 inches), etc. Now that the time limit for the challenge is over, only 68 pythons have been killed. As it turns out, Burmese Pythons are more elusive than anyone expected.

Experts estimate that there may be as many as 150,000 pythons in the Everglades National Park, but, the hunters are not allowed to hunt there. Not only is snake hunting hard work, but many hunters have no idea what they are doing. Despite training offered by the FWC before the hunt began, most hunters were far from successful. Two hunters from out of state got lost and called for help. When a search helicopter found them, they were 20 miles from civilization, over-heated and dehydrated.

On a side note, the Grammy-like award ceremony was held at the Miami Zoo. Non-profits and snake hide dealers sponsored booths. One booth offered invasive species dishes: “sauteed green iguana with lime-infused herb sauce and pan-seared snakehead fish drenched in honey-citrus glaze.”

Somewhere out in the Florida Everglades, Burmese Pythons are laughing.

Earlier Python Blogs:

Burmese Pythons Don't Care

Die, Invasive Species, Die!