Bryan Backs (L) with the help of Jake Travers, from the the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, learns how to capture a python.
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)So what did YOU do this weekend. I'm pretty sure this is the most Florida way to spend your weekend ever. These python hunters kicked off a 10 day competition to find Burmese pythons in the Everglades.
Hunters Gather In Florida Everglades To Capture Pythons In "Python Bowl"
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)Robert Edman, with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, gives a python-catching demonstration before potential snake hunters.
Hunters Gather In Florida Everglades To Capture Pythons In "Python Bowl"
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)Participants must take online training and pass a quiz.
Hunters Gather In Florida Everglades To Capture Pythons In "Python Bowl"
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)I think I'll just leave this job to the professionalsssssssss.
Hunters Gather In Florida Everglades To Capture Pythons In "Python Bowl"
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)So cute. OK not really.
Hunters Gather In Florida Everglades To Capture Pythons In "Python Bowl"
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)Burmese pythons prey on native Florida species of mammals, birds and reptiles, as well as other nonnative species, according to flpythonchallenge.org.
Hunters Gather In Florida Everglades To Capture Pythons In "Python Bowl"
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)Look at the size of this one!
Hunters Gather In Florida Everglades To Capture Pythons In "Python Bowl"
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)No more Florida way to spend a weekend!
Hunters Gather In Florida Everglades To Capture Pythons In "Python Bowl"
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)Bryan Backs (L) with the help of Jake Travers, from the the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, learns how to capture a python.
Hunters Gather In Florida Everglades To Capture Pythons In "Python Bowl"
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)The Python Challenge kicked off Friday, January 10 and goes through Sunday, January 19.
Hunters Gather In Florida Everglades To Capture Pythons In "Python Bowl"
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)The grand prize is a Tracker 570 Off Road ATV worth over $5,000.
Hunters Gather In Florida Everglades To Capture Pythons In "Python Bowl"
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)Veterans and first responders get extra perks for participating.
Hunters Gather In Florida Everglades To Capture Pythons In "Python Bowl"
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)Miami Dade mayor Carlos Gimenez holds a python.
Hunters Gather In Florida Everglades To Capture Pythons In "Python Bowl"
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)A snake hooks lie in the grass during a python-catching demonstration.
Hunters Gather In Florida Everglades To Capture Pythons In "Python Bowl"
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)A snake hunter carries his knife in a snake skin sheath.
Hunters Gather In Florida Everglades To Capture Pythons In "Python Bowl"
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)The goal of of the event is to empower people to take an active role in conserving the Florida Everglades through invasive species removal.
Hunters Gather In Florida Everglades To Capture Pythons In "Python Bowl"
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)Scoring the longest python wins you $2,000. Same for the heaviest python.
Hunters Gather In Florida Everglades To Capture Pythons In "Python Bowl"
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)Bryan Backs (L) with the help of Jake Travers, from the the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, learns how to capture a python.
