Anyone brave enough to try and catch a Burmese python deserves a prize. Luckily for those in Florida, the state offers up $10,000 to the person who can catch the most pythons each year.
This year, the top prize went to python hunter Charles Dachton, who removed 41 snakes from the Everglades. Photos showing off some of the massive snakes have now gone viral.
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The Florida Python Challenge is an annual competition held by The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to entice people to help remove Burmese pythons from the area.
Not only can the snakes grow to massive lengths, but they are dangerous invasive species to the area. A total of 223 Burmese pythons were removed from the Everglades this year in an effort to save the area's diversity of native birds, mammals, fish and reptiles, according to Brobible.
The competition website says that more than 600 people participated in the 10-day competition designed to increase awareness about invasive species and the threats they pose to Florida's ecology.
Along with the top prize winner, the state also awarded the hunter who caught the longest snake. Brandon Call caught a snake that measured 15 feet and 9 inches.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis spoke at the event about the importance of conservation and the Florida ecosystem.
“Everglades restoration and the protection of water resources has been a top priority of my administration since day one. Invasive Burmese pythons have wreaked havoc in the Everglades, negatively impacting the ecosystem and biodiversity. At my direction, FWC and the South Florida Water Management District have taken steps to increase python removal efforts, and the unprecedented success of the 2021 Florida Python Challenge® is a great example of the progress Florida has made battling these invasive species. Removing more than 200 Burmese pythons is a victory for our state as well as for the native animals that live here,” said Governor DeSantis.
Photos of this year’s competition recently went viral as many around the country were stunned the hunters took on the snakes.
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