Florida's Hunting Heroes: Are Pythons Finally Meerkat's Worst Nightmare?

The South Florida Water Management District has established a python control program that aims to hunt and remove the invasive Burmese python population in the Everglades. The program has gained international attention and celebrity participants like Ozzy Osbourne, who recounted his terrifying experience hunting down snakes. The article covers the success of the program and how residents can participate in the annual Florida Python Challenge to continue the fight against the invasive species.

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Catching the Elusive Burmese Pythons of the Everglades

The Hidden Invasion of South Florida

Florida’s Everglades have been invaded by an unexpected threat - Burmese pythons. These invasive and voracious snakes have become notorious for decimating the local wildlife. With their powerful constrictions and stealthy movements, they are a formidable predator in this subtropical habitat.

Florida’s Everglades and its bounty of snakes *

To fight this invasion, a team of contract workers has been tasked with hunting down the snakes. The South Florida Water Management District has established a python control program that employs hunters to navigate the Everglades and rid the land of these unwanted invaders.

A Legendary Rockstar Hunts Down Pythons

Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary Black Sabbath frontman, has joined the fight against the Burmese pythons. Alongside his son Jack, Ozzy went on a snake hunt in the Everglades for an episode of Ozzy & Jack’s World Detour. Despite his tough persona as the Prince of Darkness, Ozzy admitted to being scared senseless during the excursion.

Ozzy Osbourne in snake hunting gear *

It is easy to see why - the Everglades can be hostile to both snakes and humans. Dusty Crum, a contract worker and orchid designer by day, navigates this unforgiving world without shoes. He is nicknamed the “Wildman” for his ability to survive in the hostile environment.

The Successful Python Removal Initiative

As of writing, these hunters have successfully removed 788 snakes, including a massive female with dozens of eggs and a record-breaking snake measuring over 17 feet. With numbers like these, the program is an undeniable success.

The South Florida Water Management District team at work *

According to University of Florida wildlife ecology professor Frank Mazotti, the program’s success is not just about the numbers of snakes removed. It is also about the attention it has brought to the problem.

The Florida Python Challenge

To continue the fight against the Burmese pythons, the Florida Python Challenge has been established. This annual competition takes place in August and invites participants to hunt down as many snakes as possible. The challenge has already seen hunting participants from all over the United States as well as from Ontario, Canada.

Hunters and the general public alike can visit flpythonchallenge.org to register for the challenge. Registration closes at the end of August. The grand prize money totals up to $25,000 and multiple awards are available for those who manage to catch snakes.

[https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2021/07/19/NPPP/7fd20e36-3c06-4aa1-965d-bd300fafdfc9-MAIN_PYTHON.JPG?crop=2474,1392,x0,y618](_download_image)\n

[The grand prize money in this year’s Florida Python Challenge is expected to be $25,000.](_download_image]\n #FloridaPythonChallenge #BurmesePythons #SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict