Python Challenge kicks off in Florida

DAVIE, Fla., Jan. 13 (UPI) -- Nearly 800 people in Florida signed up to take part in the monthlong Python Challenge, in which the participant who kills the most pythons wins cash.

The contest, sponsored by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, began Thursday, the South Florida Sun Sentinel reported.

So far, officials have not reported any dead snakes, but the contest runs through Feb. 10. The person who kills the most Burmese pythons by that date will receive a check for $1,500.

The Python Challenge was created to combat Florida's growing population of pythons that have devastated the state's rabbit, fox, possum and bobcat populations. Pythons are an invasive species in the United States.

A total of 777 people signed up for the contest.