The Florida Python Challenge will kick off at midnight on Friday, Aug. 9, with hundreds of hunters setting off into the Everglades to kill the invasive Burmese python.

For the next 10 days, participants will attempt catch the pythons for top prizes. As of Aug. 8, the total number of pythons caught from challenge over the years is nearly 1,000, which does not include the pythons captured by year-round hunters.

Burmese pythons are one of the most destructive foreign animal in the park's history, growing to more than 18 feet and weigh more than 200 pounds.

What is the Florida Python Challenge?

The Florida Python Challenge is a 10-day competition created by FWC to encourage participants to remove pythons from seven commission-managed lands in South Florida.

The Burmese python is a large, nonvenomous constrictor snake that is an invasive species in Florida. Burmese pythons were introduced to Florida via the pet trade and are now well established in the Everglades, where the snake represents a threat to the ecosystem.

FWC officials claim the intent of the challenge is to not only remove the predators but also to spread awareness of the dangers they pose. The competition also seeks to protect the Everglades habitat and all its native animals by removing the invasive Burmese pythons.

When does 2024's Python Challenge start? How long does it last?

The annual Everglades python hunt starts at 12:01 a.m. Friday, August 9 and ends at 5 p.m. Sunday, August 18.

What are the official rules of the Florida Python Challenge?

Where do I register for the Florida Python challenge?

To register for the Florida Python Challenge, officials ask those to go to FLPythonChallenge.org. The cost to register is $25 and non refundable.

All participants must register individually. Participants who wish to work as a team must register as individuals and each pay the $25 fee.

Can you use a gun to kill Burmese pythons caught in Florida?

Burmese pythons captured in Florida must be humanely killed. While they are not protected in Florida, anti-cruelty law still applies.

What prizes can hunters win during the Florida Python Challenge?

There is $25,000 in prizes up for grabs during this year's hunt. According to the FWC, the top prize of $10,000 goes to the person who catches the most pythons. Those with the most catches in the Novice, Professional and Military categories win $2,500, while runners-up in each group receive $1,500, and $1,000 is awarded for the longest pythons caught.

How many Burmese pythons were collected during the challenge in 2023?

Last year's annual Python Challenge this year had 1,050 participants from 35 states and Belgium remove 209 Burmese pythons from South Florida.