In a unique twist on the traditional pizza parlor, a Florida restaurant is turning heads by offering free pizza in exchange for dead Burmese pythons. Dustin Crum, the owner of Wildman’s Pizza, Pasta and Python in Everglades City, is making headlines with his unconventional barter system, which he claims is a first in the world.
“I’m the first place in the world to accept python as currency,” Crum told NBC News, showcasing his commitment to both culinary creativity and environmental conservation. The initiative is part of the ongoing Florida Python Challenge, a competition that encourages hunters to remove these invasive snakes from the Everglades for a chance to win a $10,000 prize.
As the tournament runs until July 19, participants are faced with a pressing question: what to do with the hefty, sometimes 16-foot-long snakes they capture? According to Crum, the answer is simple—bring them to his pizzeria for a large specialty pizza of their choice.
Crum, who is also an experienced snake hunter, accepts only recently dispatched pythons, ensuring the process is humane. “It’s a win-win,” he explained. “Customers get a free meal, and I get supplies for my store.”
The pizzeria owner has found creative ways to utilize the reptiles beyond the pizza kitchen. He crafts various accessories from the snake parts, including jewelry and even snake oil for skin care. “Everything gets used,” he remarked, highlighting his commitment to sustainability.
Crum’s menu also features pizzas topped with iguana, another invasive species in Florida, and he playfully describes the python-topped pies as having a “gamey” flavor. However, he notes that he cannot sell the snakes directly, as they must be given away for free due to regulations.
The battle against these invasive pythons, which have been wreaking havoc in Florida since the 1970s, is a significant challenge. Experts estimate that there may be as many as 300,000 of these snakes slithering through the state, posing a serious threat to local wildlife. Female pythons can lay up to 70 eggs at once, exacerbating the problem.
As Crum continues to serve up his unique offerings, the question remains: can this innovative approach truly make a dent in the growing python population?
