FWC opening up competition to harvest the slithering snakes that are taking over the Everglades.
Photo: Getty Images
Want to kill some snakes? Here's your chance. The Python Challenge kicks off January 12.
Wildlife officials hope competition will help raise awareness about Burmese pythons and get them out of public lands in South Florida.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says Python permit holders and the public will compete to see who can harvest the longest and the most Burmese pythons.
One goal is to help people understand why the nonnative species is a threat to the Everglades ecosystem, including native wildlife, also to collect information on the python population in South Florida and enhance research and management efforts.
These snakes are no longer allowed as pets in the state of Florida.
