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The Florida Python Challenge®
PUTNAM COUNTY
By: Capt Lynda Hawkins
The Florida Python Challenge®
The Florida Everglades is an extraordinary ecosystem unlike any other in the world! It is home to a variety of rare and unique wildlife including a diversity of native birds, mammals, fish and reptiles. However, some reptiles, like the invasive Burmese python, do not belong in this ecosystem and pose a threat to native wildlife. The Florida Python Challenge® is an exciting conservation effort which helps protect the rare Everglades habitat and the animals that live there from these invasive, nonnative snakes. The python removal competition begins at 8:00 a.m. on August 5, 2022 and ends at 5 p.m. on August 14, 2022.
Required Online Training
Burmese pythons, though large animals, are notoriously difficult to find. Because these snakes can be tough to spot and require specific handling guidelines, all participants in the Florida Python Challenge® must take the Required Online Training which will help them more effectively identify and remove these constrictors from the wild. We learned from previous events that participants with more experience and/or training are more effective at locating and removing pythons from the wild. Trainings will educate participants on how to identify, report, and safely and humanely kill Burmese pythons. Participants will also learn how to correctly distinguish pythons from native snakes. Register now! www. flpythonchallenge.org Governor Ron DeSantis
1171 County Road 309 Crescent City 386-524-4179
