800 competitors start a race to kill the largest number of snakes in Florida

More than 800 competitors will roam the Florida Everglades over the next eight days in search of invasive Burmese pythons, an annual tradition that aims to reduce the number of these pythons that are decimating the region's livestock.

 The competition brings in thousands of dollars to the winners and ends on August 15, according to officials who gathered in Miami to kick off the annual event.

Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis declared the tradition "important because every snake that was removed would have preyed on our native birds, mammals and reptiles."

Since 2000, more than 17,000 snakes have been removed from the Everglades ecosystem, according to the news.

It is not known how the Burmese pythons arrived in Florida, but since their invasion they began to prey on birds, mammals and other reptiles, reducing their numbers and affecting the local ecosystem.

A female snake can lay up to 100 eggs per year which means that their numbers are steadily increasing.

 According to SFGate, cash prizes of up to $2,500 are available in both the Professional and Novice categories, and officials said those who remove the most snakes receive additional prizes for the longest snake in each category. 

It is a condition that each snake be dead, as hunters will face disqualification if they kill it inhumanely or kill a local snake.

To date, registered fishermen represent 32 states and Canada.

Registrations are accepted for the duration of the competition.

Registration costs $25 and participants must also complete an online course.

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