One of the primary arguments against the Python Challenge is its inefficacy. Despite the hype and media coverage, the number of pythons actually captured during the event is relatively low. In August 2023, 209 pythons were caught during the challenge, whereas in July alone, professional contractors with the FWC managed to capture 307 pythons. The disparity in these numbers highlights the greater effectiveness of skilled contractors compared to the challenge participants.

Another major concern is the harm caused to native wildlife. The challenge attracts many amateurs, who, despite their enthusiasm, often lack the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively and humanely capture pythons. This lack of expertise can lead to significant collateral damage. High traffic on roads during the event increases the incidence of roadkill, with many non-target snakes and other wildlife becoming unintended victims. Out of about 1,000 participants, less than 100 will turn in even a single python, but they’ll kill countless native snakes like the green, brown and banded water snakes with their tires.

Professional contractors like me are reluctant to participate, further highlighting the challenge’s flaws. Out of 100 professional contractors, only a handful are willing to compete in the challenge. This reluctance stems from several issues, primarily involving the FWC. The FWC has a reputation for making constant mistakes regarding submitted pythons, including mix-ups, “administrative errors” and wrongful claims about euthanasia. These errors undermine the credibility and effectiveness of the challenge. Additionally, contractors find the chaos brought by the influx of 1,000 participants disruptive to their usual hunting process, making it less efficient and more hazardous for both hunters and wildlife. All that to be said, many contractors won’t hunt at all while the challenge is underway.

Most contractors wish that the Python Challenge would disappear, as we clearly see its counterproductive nature. Reducing the activity levels of the most skilled group, the contractors, while simultaneously causing more harm to native populations through increased roadkill, makes the Python Challenge a counterproductive event. Native alligator, turtle and bird nests are disturbed, native snakes are wrongfully submitted as pythons, and far more roadkill snakes are observed during the 10-day event.  The very goal of the challenge — to protect native wildlife and control the python population — is undermined by the methods employed and the consequences they generate.

Furthermore, the influx of participants can disrupt the delicate ecosystem of the Everglades. The increased human activity, noise and presence in previously undisturbed areas can stress native species and disrupt their natural behaviors. The ethical implications of such a disruptive event are considerable, raising questions about the morality of prioritizing an invasive species hunt over the well-being of an entire ecosystem. Especially an event with such minimal yield. We don’t offer the same type of challenge for iguanas, feral cats, feral pigs or many other accessible invasives, which raises questions about the selective focus and the ethics behind the Python Challenge.

Rather than relying on an annual spectacle, more effective and sustainable methods should be pursued. Professional wildlife management teams, trained in python detection and removal, could operate at an elite level to minimize collateral damage and maximize removal of the target species. As with most things, the private sector would do this far better than any government agency, especially with the current FWC python leadership in place. Public education campaigns could raise awareness about the issue without causing unnecessary harm to native wildlife.

In conclusion, while the Python Challenge may draw attention to the invasive species problem, its overall impact is more harmful than beneficial. A shift toward more scientifically sound and ethically responsible methods, combined with better education of participants, is crucial for the long-term health of the Everglades ecosystem.

Brandon Rahe, a nature lover and Florida native residing in St. Augustine, was a contractor in the FWC’s python program. 

One significant concern is the inadequate education provided to participants regarding humane euthanasia methods. The FWC claims to ensure humane euthanasia methods during python hunts, but evidence from records requests suggests that many contractors and participants alike are not adequately trained. Records from past challenges indicate that large percentages of pythons were flagged for improper euthanasia. For example, many pythons have been found insufficiently pithed or even allegedly alive at check stations. This highlights a significant gap in the participants’ understanding and execution of humane killing techniques. The need for proper training and clear standards are paramount for setting participants up for success.

Furthermore, inconsistent procedures from check-station officers result in mixed outcomes for participants. Subjective opinions and varying experiences among officers lead to inconsistent results, and there have been issues with the chain of custody, snake identification mix-ups and administrative errors. Even when participants adhere to the prescribed two-step humane killing method, they often face disqualification, affecting even professional hunters. Many participants, both amateur and professional, have challenged the validity of their disqualifications, underscoring the procedural inconsistencies and mishandling that diminish the program’s reliability and fairness.

Despite identifying issues with euthanasia methods, the FWC has shown a lack of initiative in effectively correcting these mistakes. Reports from the University of Florida, which conducts necropsies on the pythons, reveal recurring problems such as insufficient brain destruction during pithing, the method by which most pythons are humanely killed. Although these issues have been flagged for years, the persistence of such problems indicates a failure to implement corrective measures. Participants are often not informed of their errors or given guidance on how to correct their methods, undermining the credibility and effectiveness of the program.

Leadership within the Python Challenge is also criticized for its inconsistent guidelines. The program has undergone various iterations of rules and flagging systems, but these changes have been largely ineffective. Effective leadership should involve setting clear, consistent guidelines from the outset and ensuring they are understood and enforced. Participants would greatly benefit from a thorough understanding of what is expected of them throughout the competition. The current approach, however, leaves participants guessing whether they will successfully pass the rigors of submitting a python.

Another troubling aspect of the Python Challenge is the lack of due process in dealing with infractions, especially when video evidence is present. Participants have reported being penalized without a transparent review process, and video evidence that could potentially exonerate them is often disregarded. In at least one instance, the existence of video evidence was withheld from other agency officials, compromising transparency. This raises serious concerns about fairness and accountability within the state-funded program. Ensuring due process, particularly when objective evidence like video footage is available, is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the challenge and the trust of its participants.

The poor leadership within the FWC has directly resulted in a notable exodus from the FWC python-removal team. Nine contractors, out of only 50 available positions, have left to work for a partnering agency, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). Despite identical job descriptions, contracts and pay, the difference driving this exodus is the leadership style and how each agency treats its contractors. The FWC’s inconsistent and retaliatory leadership has fostered an environment in which contractors feel undervalued and unsupported, prompting them to seek more stable and respectful working conditions under SFWMD’s management.

While the FWC and the Python Challenge aim to address the serious issue of invasive Burmese pythons in the Everglades, significant flaws need urgent attention. In the experience and opinion of former contractors, including me, these issues stem from poor leadership. By addressing these problems, the program can enhance its effectiveness, ethical standards and fairness, ultimately contributing more effectively to conservation efforts in Florida.

Brandon Rahe, a nature lover and Florida native residing in St. Augustine, was a contractor in the FWC’s python program. He resigned due to poor leadership and remains dedicated to the conservation of Florida’s lands and wildlife.