Burmese pythons have haunted the Florida Everglades for more than two decades, growing from a handful of escaped or released pets into a breeding population that wildlife agencies now count among the most damaging invasive species in North America.

On July 10, hundreds of professional and amateur snake hunters entered the annual Florida Python Challenge, a 10-day race to remove as many of the invasive animals as possible from the Everglades. The person who bags the most snakes will earn a $10,

See scientists wrangling the invasive snakes.