MIAMI (AP) — More than 230 pythons have been eliminated from the Florida Everglades as a part of an annual competitors to remove the invasive species from the South Florida wetlands protect.
Florida wildlife officers stated Thursday that 1,000 hunters from 32 states and as far-off as Canada and Latvia eliminated 231 Burmese pythons in the course of the 10-day competitors referred to as the Florida Python Challenge.
Matthew Concepcion received the $10,000 high prize for eradicating 28 Burmese pythons. Another hunter, Dustin Crum, received a $1,500 prize for eradicating the longest python, a snake that measured over 11 ft (3.3 meters).
Pythons turned invasive in Florida after they have been introduced into the state as pets after which deserted in the wild by their homeowners, wildlife officers say. Since 2000, greater than 17,000 wild Burmese pythons have been eliminated from Florida, the place they’re a damaging presence for native species, in accordance with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
“Every one of the pythons removed as part of the Challenge is one less preying on our native birds, mammals and reptiles,” stated Rodney Barreto, the fee’s chairman.