Florida Python Challenge kicked off Friday, with competitors starting as early as 12:01 a.m. searching the Everglades to find and remove invasive Burmese pythons.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is set to launch its annual campaign to remove invasive snakes from Everglades.

The race is on to protect Florida’s native wildlife by killing as many Burmese pythons as possible – and potentially bring home a share of $25,000.