Florida’s “Python Challenge” kicked off on Saturday, drawing 800 python hunters. We tag along with one member of the armed mob set out to tackle the infestation of Burmese pythons in the Everglades. Also, a recap of the highlights of the 28th Annual Everglades Coalition Conference.
Congressional, state, and environmental leaders are hoping to continue trying to make the Everglades a focus this year. From a bipartisan group of lawmakers working together in Congress to federal and state officials exploring ways to continue their efforts through an open forum, restoring Florida’s River of Grass could take center stage this year.
“It’s something that I’m very passionate about and it’s something that’s a priority for most of the folks in my district.”
The state of Florida is gearing up for a massive python hunting contest in the Everglades starting on Saturday. But an animal rights group is calling for the state to ban decapitation as a method of killing the giant snakes.
Decapitation is one of three lethal methods the state has authorized in the Python Challenge. The contest, which has cash prizes, is attracting hunters from all over the U.S. to help the state fight an infestation of non-native Burmese pythons.