The event now feels like equal parts wildlife management effort, local tradition, and surreal endurance test.

MIAMI — On their Florida vacations, Rob Wessels and his family have pursued an array of typical outings — deep-sea fishing, a stroll at the farmers market, tanning at the pool and beach. On the most ...

But make no mistake, it’s hard to spot these masters of camouflage in the wild. In the state’s most recent Python Challenge —a widely publicized contest that awards hunters who catch the most snakes — ...