Florida wildlife authorities hold annual python challenge

The Hunt for Invasive Burmese Pythons

In the heart of the Everglades, a team of professional python removal specialists, led by Hunter Donna Khil, embark on a mission to remove as many invasive Burmese pythons from the wild as possible. The Python Challenge, which attracts around 800 competitors each year, is more than just a competition; it’s a critical endeavor to humanely catch pythons and protect the ecosystem.

A Tale of Two Pythons

Khil, leader of the Everglade Avengers, is one of the most successful python removers in the competition. Her most recent catch? A massive 12-foot-1-inch Burmese python. The journey to catch these elusive serpents is no easy feat. "They’re very quick, so you have to be really careful not to scare them away before you can come up to them and catch them right behind the head," Khil explains.

The Battle for the Wild

This year’s competition saw 195 Burmese pythons removed from the wild over a 10-day period. Khil caught 19 of them, just one shy of the grand prize winner, Ronald Kyer, who took home a $10,000 award. But the real victory is the impact these competitors have on the ecosystem.

A Crisis Unfolding

Burmese pythons, introduced to the US as exotic pets in the 1970s, have flourished in the Everglades. Without native predators, they have overtaken the ecosystem, outcompeting native wildlife and contributing to the decline of endangered species. "90% of the mammals that live in the Everglades have been eaten by pythons," says wildlife conservationist Jeff Corwin.

The Conquest Continues

Khil, determined to conquer the Python Challenge, has set her sights on catching over 1,000 pythons next year. Her efforts, along with those of other competitors, are crucial in the battle to control the python population. As the climate changes and pythons start to spread northwards, the urgency to act only grows.

The Harsh Reality

Catching pythons is a dirty and messy process, as Marissa Par discovered firsthand. "Sometimes, to defend themselves, they will secrete musk and excrement," she reveals. But despite the challenges, the importance of this mission cannot be overstated.

The Concerns Ahead

As climate change continues to alter our environment, the threat posed by Burmese pythons grows. It’s no longer just an issue confined to the Everglades; the python population is spreading, and the potential for further harm is very real. "We’re starting to spot these pythons further north than we have before," warns Corwin.

The Future of the Everglades

For now, the Python Challenge remains a beacon of hope in the fight against these invasive serpents. As the battle to humanely catch and remove them continues, one thing is clear: the future of the Everglades relies on our ability to manage this invasive species and restore balance to the ecosystem.