Photo: Joe Raedle / Getty Images News / Getty Images
(Homestead, FL) - Lt. Governor Jeanette Nuñez was in Homestead today, on the edge of the Florida Everglades, announcing registration for the upcoming 2024 Python Challenge.
The 10-day python removal competition begins at 12:01 a.m. on August 9, 2024, and ends at 5 p.m. on August 18, 2024.
The Florida Everglades is a unique ecosystem home to rare and protected wildlife including birds, mammals, fish and reptiles.
However, the invasive Burmese python does not belong in this ecosystem and the snakes pose a threat to native wildlife.
The Florida Python Challenge® helps protect the rare Everglades habitat and the animals that live there from these invasive, nonnative snakes.
Those who register for the challenge can also take online training and education on the rules.
There is a $10,000 grand prize for the contest winner.
Report observations of high priority nonnative species to the FWC’s Invasive Species Hotline at (888) 483-4861.