General Discussion

erpowers

(9,438 posts) Fri Dec 7, 2012, 01:39 PM Dec 2012

Florida's Python Challenge [View all]

In an effort to either reduce or eliminate the state's Burmese Python population the Florida Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has created a Python Challenge. The website for the challenge says that the purpose of the challenge is to make the public aware of the danger the Burmese Python can cause to the Everglades ecosystem.

In this challenge people who register and pay a $25 fee will be allowed to kill seemingly as many pythons as they like. The person who kills the most Pythons will win $1,500. The person who kills the longest Python will win $1,000.

So, what is the opinion of DU members?

http://pythonchallenge.org/

53 replies

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Highlight:

Florida's Python Challenge [View all] erpowers Dec 2012 OP

it's macabre, but idiots releasing those snakes into the wild are fucking up the ecosystem there... dionysus Dec 2012 #1

According the people at the Naples Zoo, that's urban folklore. Cary Dec 2012 #11

be that as it may, it's still an invasive species that shouldn't be there. dionysus Dec 2012 #14

I understand and appreciate that Cary Dec 2012 #17

How do you ethically eradicate an entire species? nt hack89 Dec 2012 #27

Good question. Cary Dec 2012 #29

Beyond killing them quickly hack89 Dec 2012 #30

This isn't eradicating a species. It's readicating members of a species that are misplaced into an flamin lib Dec 2012 #37

The snakes don't know that they were misplaced. n/t Cary Dec 2012 #38

I know, right? Laffy Kat Dec 2012 #53

That story was also on one of the reality shows that dealt with FL animal control officers. n/t woodsprite Dec 2012 #23

What does ... 1StrongBlackMan Dec 2012 #2

I Was Thinking The Same Thing... Dread Pirate Roberts Dec 2012 #8

Is it wrong to hope Laxman Dec 2012 #12

LOL wryter2000 Dec 2012 #35

i'm okay with it barbtries Dec 2012 #3

It seems to me that this is an effort to exploit cheap labor... Earth_First Dec 2012 #4

Would you rather have an excise tax on bird feed and pet food to raise revenue HereSince1628 Dec 2012 #20

+1 wickerwoman Dec 2012 #43

Sad, but it's an invasive species montanto Dec 2012 #5

Sometimes animals need to be killed. And think of all the cool boots that will be made. slackmaster Dec 2012 #6

Not funny. I like snakes. I used to have boa constrictors as pets. n/t RebelOne Dec 2012 #34

I lived for two years in a house with two large Burmese pythons. They were cool to have around. slackmaster Dec 2012 #39

They're becoming a real problem Sekhmets Daughter Dec 2012 #7

It is a species which doesn't belong in the ecosystem Yo_Mama Dec 2012 #9

Anyone who objects to dealing with this destructive invasive species MineralMan Dec 2012 #10

I am tired PD Turk Dec 2012 #22

DUzy!!! longship Dec 2012 #24

Thanks PD Turk Dec 2012 #31

Wouldn't bother me. I like snakes. RebelOne Dec 2012 #36

Florida needs to create a gene-altered mosquito that attack and kills pythons Brother Buzz Dec 2012 #13

This is past necessary! Rocky888 Dec 2012 #15

Taste like chicken...!! nt Bigmack Dec 2012 #16

Unfortunately, they are a little high in mercury. FarCenter Dec 2012 #19

Wow... are you ever right... Bigmack Dec 2012 #50

These snakes could devastate the Everglades DirkGently Dec 2012 #18

Rather than just killing them Retrograde Dec 2012 #21

I hope no British comedy stars get caught up in this... Archae Dec 2012 #25

I have zero problem with dealing w/an invasive species, War Horse Dec 2012 #26

This a pure time and manpower issue hack89 Dec 2012 #28

This makes me so sad wryter2000 Dec 2012 #32

I am all for this. This is an invasive species that is destroying the native wildlife. okwmember Dec 2012 #33

Better idea, drop the fee and pay a $100 bounty on every python brought in dead. MadHound Dec 2012 #40

Florida also has a problem with feral hogs. ... spin Dec 2012 #41

Invasive species. I'm for it. distantearlywarning Dec 2012 #42

I have such a phobia towards snakes, I have no problem with the idea. arthritisR_US Dec 2012 #44

The snakes don't belong in the Glades or Florida. I am ok with the bounties. nt bluestate10 Dec 2012 #45

Ok with me. They are gobbling up wildlife. I figured the Gov would call out the Natl Guard. nt raccoon Dec 2012 #46

Can they be trained to eat nutria? hedgehog Dec 2012 #47

LOL LeftInTX Dec 2012 #52

I think it has to be done Marrah_G Dec 2012 #48

Yes please quaker bill Dec 2012 #49

The damned things are loaded with mercury.... Bigmack Dec 2012 #51