ORLANDO, Fla. — Thousands of dollars will be up for grabs later this summer as part of the 2023 Florida Python Challenge.

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The event runs Aug. 4-13 and encourages people to get directly involved in Everglades conservation through invasive species removal, according to a news release.

The challenge is hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Consveration Commission and the South Florida Water Management District.

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This year features the ultimate grand prize of $10,000, sponsored by Inversa Leathers. The runner-up gets $7,500, sponsored by the Bergeron Everglades Foundation.

Overall, there will be $30,000 worth of prizes, according to a news release. Prizes will also be awarded in the professional, novice and military categories.

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Burmese pythons are not native to Florida, and negatively impact native wildlife, according to a news release. The snakes are found primarily in and around the Everglades in South Florida and prey on birds, mammals and other reptiles, the news release states.

Click here for more details on the Florida Python Challenge.

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