The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced its “2013 Python Challenge” on Wednesday.
The goal: to increase public awareness about Burmese pythons and how they’re disrupting native wildlife in the Everglades.
Beginning on January 12, Florida’s python permit holders and the general public are invited to compete to see who can harvest the longest and the most Burmese pythons.
Two $1,500 grand prizes will be awarded for the most pythons harvested — one for permit holders and one for the general public.
They’re also giving $1,000 prizes to the longest python, again for for both permit holders and the general public.
The longest Burmese python documented in Florida was more than 17 feet in length.
The FWC says the goal is to help educate the public, and they hope competitive harvesting of Burmese pythons will result in extra date to help in research and management efforts.
You can find out more on the FWC website – www.PythonChallenge.org.