Burmese pythons meet their match as Florida Python Challenge begins

LEE COUNTY, Fla. (WINK)—The Florida Python Challenge begins overnight, sending hundreds of people into the Everglades to hunt invasive Burmese pythons.

Last year, 294 invasive Burmese pythons were removed from the Everglades during the Florida Python Challenge. With the 10-day challenge beginning tomorrow, WINK News spoke with the South Florida Water Management District to find out how much this contest is helping.

For 13 years, hunters have entered the Everglades looking for pythons. Mike Kirkland with SFWMD said the fight continues despite the challenges ahead.

"Eradication is not a reasonable objective at this point," Kirkland said.

However, that's no reason to quit. In fact, it's the reason Kirkland says the challenge must go on.

"I am optimistic, however," Kirkland said. "Full eradication is not the goal right now, but we, you know, we're certainly not giving up the fight by any means, and I really think that we are going to start to, to at least make some progress against this issue."

Kirkland says to understand the python problem, don't look at the snake — look at where deer, foxes and possums used to be.

"If you go to Everglades National Park, you'd be hard pressed to find a single mammal right now, and that is all attributed to the Python invasion," Kirkland said.

When asked what the Everglades would say if it could speak for itself, Kirkland had a stark answer.

"I think the Everglades would be crying for help right now," Kirkland said.

Kirkland stresses the challenge isn't about python bloodlust. Instead, it's not just removal but humane removal that is critical during the challenge.