Earlier this year, 1,600 python hunters were part of the great Florida python challenge. The grand prize winner took home $1,500 for capturing the most Burmese pythons.
The goal: heighten public awareness about Burmese python, considered an invasive species. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission also wanted to gather data about the python populations and their impact on the Everglades ecosystem.
They caught 68 pythons last year. This year, though, the hunt has been cancelled. No word why. But I’ve read enough Carl Hiassen novels and figured it out.The pythons got together and paid off someone to leave them alone.
Photo credit: Pat Lynch – South Florida Water Management District