The 2024 Florida Python Challenge is complete, with participants from across the United States flocking to Everglades for the 10-day event in order to combat the invasive Burmese python.
"It's the ecosystem. They're destroying it by eating the mammals that are here and taking away the food supply for native species," said Seth Brattain, the owner of Southwest Florida's SlethReptiles, an invasive species removal service.
Each year, hundreds of participants collect about 200+ Burmese Pythons, according to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission. Despite the efforts, some hunters are skeptical about the challenge's impact.
"They only allow hunting in about 1% of the Everglades, and with limited areas to go, the python population will probably never go away," Brattain said.
NBC2 ventured out during the challenge with Brattain and his crew, and searched a number of areas including US-41, SR-29, and Loop Road, many of which were packed with other hunters also looking for a catch. This year, the 2024 Florida Python Challenge offered $25,000 in cash prizes for categories including the largest snake caught, and the most.
"It's really tough to find them. There's nothing to lure them in. It's literally driving around with lights, hoping to spot one crossing or in the weeds," said Jesse Richards, a wildlife trapper with SlethReptiles.
The challenge's winners are announced after the results are tabulated. The Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission each year holds a ceremony to announce the winners for prize money.