Florida python challenge: Hunters battle invasive species for cash prizes

The contest, which involves killing pythons, sounds controversial and dangerous. It seems like a challenge that could have been undertaken long ago for ritual purposes or to accompany some festival. Alternatively, it could take place in Australia, where people aren’t particularly surprised at the sight of scorpions, snakes, or crocodiles.

Florida Python Challenge, however, as the name suggests, takes place in Florida in the United States. The brave individuals who decide to participate in the event are tasked with eradicating as many Burmese pythons as possible.

Burmese pythons are an invasive species within the ecosystem of Everglades National Park. These snakes disrupt the environmental balance and prey on species naturally found in these regions of Florida. For 10 years, the state's green policy has raised public awareness about these animals. The Florida Python Challenge sprouted from an educational programme, and although it seems macabre, officials assure that it is necessary to maintain the balance of the fauna and flora in the Everglades.

This year, 600 people are participating in the contest, including hunters from different states in the USA and one volunteer from Canada. Anyone can compete, from amateurs to military personnel or hunters, who are rewarded in separate categories. For killing the longest snake, a reward of £800 (approx. $800), and for killing the largest number of snakes - £2,000 (approx. $2,000). Winning in the open category is on a larger scale: the most effective hunter will scoop as much as £8,000 (approx. $8,000). The "open" hunt lasts for 10 days. During last year’s contest, participants "captured" 209 Burmese pythons.