Dusty Crum, the owner of Wildman’s Pizza, Pasta and Pythons in Everglades City, Florida, claims that his establishment is the only pizza joint globally that accepts invasive Burmese pythons as payment. This unconventional initiative supports the Florida Python Challenge, an annual event aimed at controlling the invasive species to safeguard native wildlife.
Customers who bring in a python to Crum’s restaurant are rewarded with a complimentary specialty large pizza of their choice. The offer has gained popularity, particularly among local youths who catch the snakes but are unsure of what to do with them and are enticed by the prospect of free pizza.
During the summer, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) and the South Florida Water Management District organize the Florida Python Challenge. Participants undergo online training on locating and ethically eliminating Burmese pythons in exchange for cash prizes. The individual delivering the most python carcasses stands to win $10,000 US.
Crum, an enthusiastic hunter, is determined to clinch the top prize. He spends countless nights scouring the Everglades for these elusive snakes, emphasizing the difficulty of the task due to the vast expanse of the region.
Native to Asia, Burmese pythons, among the largest snake species globally, have few natural predators in Florida due to their substantial size and high reproductive rate. With one female capable of laying up to 100 eggs, these invasive snakes pose a severe threat to the local ecosystem by preying on native wildlife.
While FWCC spokesperson Jason Schultz highlighted the detrimental impact of invasive Burmese pythons on the Everglades ecosystem, he refrained from commenting on Crum’s unique python-for-pizza exchange. Crum’s restaurant, Wildman’s, serves as a focal point for participants in the Florida Python Challenge to share stories and strategies while enjoying pizza.
Apart from serving pizzas, Crum, a self-proclaimed “swampepreneur,” offers various python-related products such as jewelry made from snake skin and snake oil. Occasionally, he incorporates python meat into his pizzas, noting its distinctive flavor. Although not officially on the menu due to preparation restrictions, Crum is known to offer python pizza to curious patrons.
Despite the unconventional pizza options at Wildman’s, Crum remains focused on delivering quality dishes to his customers, including popular choices like the Hawaiian pizza with ham, onions, and pineapple.