The bounty for pythons in Florida varies based on the snake's length, offering $50 for those under 4 feet and $25 per foot for those 4 feet or longer. This incentive is part of Florida's efforts to control its invasive python population.
Hunters participating in the program receive compensation through a two-tiered system: an hourly wage for their time spent hunting and a specific bounty for each python they successfully capture.
Python Bounty Rates
The exact bounty amount paid for a python is determined by its size, encouraging the removal of these destructive snakes from the ecosystem. The following table outlines the bounty structure:
| Python Length | Bounty Amount |
|---|---|
| Under 4 feet (1.2 meters) | $50 per python |
| 4 feet (1.2 meters) or longer | $25 per foot |
- Example: If a hunter catches a python that measures 7 feet in length, they would receive a bounty of $175 (7 feet multiplied by $25 per foot). Conversely, a python measuring 3 feet would yield a $50 bounty.
Additional Compensation for Hunters
Beyond the per-python bounty, individuals participating in the python control program also receive an hourly wage for their efforts. This compensates them for the time and resources invested in hunting.
- Hourly Rate: Hunters are paid between $13 (£10.22) and $18 (£14.15) per hour. The specific rate can vary depending on the hunting location.
- Work Hours: This hourly pay is applicable for up to 10 hours of hunting time per day.
This combination of hourly pay and a performance-based bounty aims to incentivize consistent effort and successful removal of pythons, contributing to the state's conservation goals.
