Current:Home > StocksCan you use a gun to kill a python in the Florida Python Challenge? Here's the rules-LoTradeCoin
Can you use a gun to kill a python in the Florida Python Challenge? Here's the rules
View Date:2024-12-23 21:42:18
If you're looking for a way to become $10,000 richer, killing pythons may be it.
The Florida Python Challenge starts in August and incentivizes hunters to euthanize as many invasive Burmese pythons as possible.
But according to competition rules, you can't use a firearm to kill the snakes.
When is it okay to use a firearm to kill a python and when is it a problem? Here's what we know.
What is the Florida Python Challenge?
The Florida Python Challenge is a python removal competition that happens in August.
Participants have nine days to kill as many Burmese pythons as possible. The 2024 python removal competition begins at 12:01 a.m. on August 9 and ends at 5 p.m. on August 18.
The competition helps protect the Everglades habitat and all its native animals by removing the invasive Burmese pythons.
Can I use a gun to kill a python in the Florida Python Challenge?
Participants are not allowed to use firearms to kill pythons during the Florida Python Challenge because there's no established firearm season at the competition locations during the timeframe.
Novices must humanely kill their captured pythons immediately after catching them.
You can use air guns and captive bolts to kill pythons at any time of day or night.
When can I use a gun to kill a Florida python?
The FWC says Burmese pythons can be shot on private property at any time as long as the landowner gives permission. You don't need a permit either.
However, you cannot use traps or firearms to kill pythons unless specific area regulations allow it.
FWC Executive order 23-16 allows for the public to humanely kill pythons and other nonnative reptiles without a permit or hunting license as long as you follow area regulations. Also, make sure you aren't hunting on areas closed to public access.
Behold! Some of the biggest Burmese pythons caught during Florida Python Challenge
In last year's hunt, 209 snakes were caught. A 2012 study suggested that in Everglades National Park, pythons were responsible for a decline of 85% to 100% of the population of medium-sized animals such as raccoons and rabbits.
How do you humanely kill a python?
If you are in an area where you can use a gun to kill a python, you must follow this two-step method:
- Step 1: Immediate loss of consciousness
- Use a captive bolt, firearm, or air gun to shoot directly to the brain
- Step 2: Destroy the brain
- Make sure the python is unconscious
- Insert a small rod, like a screwdriver, spike, or pick, into the cranial cavity and twist it to ensure the entire brain is destroyed
Contributing: Laura Lordi, Greg Lovett
veryGood! (58735)
Related
- College football top five gets overhaul as Georgia, Miami both tumble in US LBM Coaches Poll
- Rep. Lauren Boebert's son Tyler arrested on 22 criminal charges, Colorado police say
- Wendy Williams’ Publicist Slams “Horrific Components” of New Documentary
- 'The Voice': Watch the clash of country coaches Reba and Dan + Shay emerge as they bust out blocks
- What is prize money for NBA Cup in-season tournament? Players get boost in 2024
- Drew Barrymore's 1995 Playboy cover comes back to haunt her with daughter's sass
- Donna Summer estate sues Ye and Ty Dolla $ign, saying they illegally used ‘I Feel Love’
- Fans briefly forced to evacuate Assembly Hall during Indiana basketball game vs. Wisconsin
- Fighting conspiracy theories with comedy? That’s what the Onion hopes after its purchase of Infowars
- Essential winter tips on how to drive in the snow from Bridgestone's winter driving school
Ranking
- Todd Golden to continue as Florida basketball coach despite sexual harassment probe
- Home for Spring Break? Here's How To Make Your Staycation Feel Like a Dream Getaway
- Donna Summer's estate sues Ye, Ty Dolla $ign for using 'I Feel Love' without permission
- Out to see a Hawaiian sunrise, he drove his rental off a cliff and got rescued from the ocean
- Republican Vos reelected as Wisconsin Assembly speaker despite losing seats, fights with Trump
- She wanted a space for her son, who has autism, to explore nature. So, she created a whimsical fairy forest.
- FBI offers $15,000 reward in case of missing Wisconsin boy
- Lower auto prices are finally giving Americans a break after years of inflationary increases
Recommendation
-
Some women are stockpiling Plan B and abortion pills. Here's what experts have to say.
-
Nationwide Superfund toxic waste cleanup effort gets another $1 billion installment
-
Kellogg's CEO says Americans facing inflation should eat cereal for dinner. He got mixed reactions.
-
Toyota recalls over 380,000 Tacoma trucks over increased risk of crash, safety issue
-
Michael Jordan and driver Tyler Reddick come up short in bid for NASCAR championship
-
Emma Stone and Husband Dave McCary Score an Easy A for Their Rare Red Carpet Date Night
-
Starbucks and Workers United agree to resume contract negotiations
-
ESPN apologizes for Formula 1 advertisement that drew ire of Indianapolis Motor Speedway