As Florida Python challenge begins, people want to know: How far north will snakes go?
The invasive Burmese python continues to plague the South Florida ecosystem, most notably in the Everglades. The snake established its presence there years ago with no one knowing exactly how many pythons are slithering around in the swamp land.
As the 2024 Florida Python Challenge begins on Friday at 12:01 a.m., one of many efforts underway to curtail the python population, a new question is being asked more frequently.
Will more and more of these intimidating snakes start showing their faces further north in Florida?
The Florida Python Challenge encourages people once year to collectively go out and remove as many snakes as possible over a 10-day stretch. Cash prizes are awarded for the biggest haul. This year’s challenge concludes at 5 p.m. on Aug. 18.
news-press.com
Florida’s Python Challenge is underway. What happens if the invasive snake bites a hunter
With another Florida Python Challenge underway, hunters who end up finding the invasive snake have a good chance of getting bitten if they aren’t careful.
This year’s Florida Python Challenge started at 12:01 a.m. on Aug 9. It will end on Aug.18 at 5 p.m.
Earlier this year Python Huntress Amy Siewe encountered a couple of snakes that had no intention of being caught. In other words, they put up a fight.
More:As Florida Python challenge begins, people want to know: How far north will snakes go?
In the world of a python hunter, this means the python’s defense mechanism of biting will be used. Siewe made a post about the experience on her Facebook page. See the video at the top of this story.
naplesnews.com
Here’s why snake hunters from across the U.S. are wading into the Florida Everglades
It’s the time of year when Florida officials allow both amateur and professional snake hunters alike to scatter across parts of the Everglades on a mission to capture as many Burmese pythons as they can wrangle.
The annual Florida Python Challenge began last Friday and runs until 5 p.m. next Sunday, during which time participants must catch and kill the nonvenomous constrictors, which feed on the state’s native fauna.
“Removing invasive pythons from across the Greater Everglades Ecosystem is critical, and we must do everything we can to combat this invasive species,” Ron Bergeron, a member of the South Florida Water Management District governing board, said in a statement.
npr.org