2013 Python Challenge™ Awareness and Awards Event

Who: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and partners.

What: 2013 Python Challenge™ Awareness and Awards Event will educate the public about invasive Burmese pythons and other nonnative species and their impacts on Florida ecosystems. At 10:30 a.m. there will be a ceremony to announce the total number of Burmese pythons harvested and the winners of the Python Challenge™. Awards will be given to the people who harvested the longest Burmese python and the most Burmese pythons in the contest's two categories: the General Competition and the Python Permit Holders Competition. Additional prizes will be awarded as well.



When: Saturday, Feb. 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Zoo Miami, 12400 S.W. 152nd Street, Miami, FL 33177.

At this free family-friendly event, attendees can view Burmese pythons up close and interact with scientists and exhibitors to learn more about this snake's biology and behavior as well as research and management programs. There will be a variety of educational activities and exhibits as well as food and fun.

NOTE: The event is free. However, this does not include free admission to Zoo Miami.

Why: The FWC and its partners launched the 2013 Python Challenge™ to raise awareness about the invasive Burmese python and enlist both the general public and python permit holders in a month-long harvest of Burmese pythons, a species that is not native to Florida. The Awareness and Awards Event is the culmination of the 2013 Python Challenge™.

Additional information about the 2013 Python Challenge™ can be found at www.PythonChallenge.org.

Contact: Carli Segelson, 772-215-9459; Officer Jorge Pino, 561-723-1417

---