Yikes! Biggest slithering Burmese pythons caught in Florida Python Challenge

The Florida Python Challenge 2024 is in full swing. The annual snake hunt started Friday, August 9, and runs through August 18. Participants have until August 18 to kill as many Burmese pythons as possible from several locations in South Florida, including the Florida Everglades.

The annual event began as a loosely planned scramble in the Everglades, an experiment in incentive-based extermination, a novelty that in subsequent years would help spawn reality TV shows, attract a rock star and entice celebrity chefs.

“The Python Challenge has a cult-like following,” said Marshall Jones, whose family owns Mack’s Fish Camp in western Broward County. “People travel from far and wide to come to it. They camp in tents, bring their RVs, all to catch one of these elusive slithering monsters.”

Why hunt Burmese pythons?

Burmese pythons are an invasive species that pose a threat to wildlife in the Everglades. Florida pays hunters annually to catch the snakes. The competition helps protect the Everglades habitat and all its native animals by removing the invasive Burmese pythons. State-approved hunters can win up to $25,000 this year.

In last year’s hunt, 209 snakes were caught during the Florida Python Challenge. The prize was $10,000.

Prizes will be awarded for the longest or most snakes caught. Hunters can register right up until the last day of the competition on August 18. To register, go to FLPythonChallenge.org.

Here are some of the biggest Burmese pythons caught in the Florida Python Challenge annual Everglades hunt

The FWC holds an annual Python Challenge. This photo was taken during the 2020 challenge. The challenge is a 10-day event that awards money and prizes to competitors who catch and kill the most Burmese pythons. This year’s challenge is Aug. 9-18.

Jim Turner, of Bradenton, and Dusty Crum try to control two Burmese Pythons they found next to each other on a canal bank, while hunting partner ,Bill Booth, of Myakka City, records them on his video camera at the 2013 Python Challenge in South Florida.

What is the Florida Python Challenge?

The Florida Python Challenge is a python removal competition that happens in August. Participants have nine days to kill as many Burmese pythons as possible. The 2024 python removal competition begins at 12:01 a.m. on August 9 and ends at 5 p.m. on August 18. The competition helps protect the Everglades habitat and all its native animals by removing the invasive Burmese pythons.

Can you use a gun to kill a python in the Florida Python Challenge?

Participants are not allowed to use firearms to kill pythons during the Florida Python Challenge because there’s no established firearm season at the competition locations during the timeframe. Novices must humanely kill their captured pythons immediately after catching them. You can use air guns and captive bolts to kill pythons at any time of day or night.

Laura Lordi is Digital Editor at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at llordi@pbpost.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Biggest Burmese pythons caught in Florida Challenge in Everglades