The annual Florida Python Challenge returns giving participants the opportunity to remove invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades while raising awareness about the threat posed by non-native species. Registered participants in this year’s challenge will have a chance to win a share of $25,000 in prizes.
EVERGLADES, Florida – Florida’s snakiest event is back, and residents are ready to hunt invasive Burmese pythons.
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The Florida Python Challenge begins July 10 at 12:01 a.m. and runs through July 19 at 5 p.m.
The annual event gives participants the opportunity to remove invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades while raising awareness about the threat posed by the non-native species.
Burmese pythons are not native to Florida and negatively impact native wildlife. This invasive species is found primarily in and around the Everglades ecosystem in south Florida where they prey on birds, mammals and other reptiles.
( by Joe Raedle/Getty Images / Getty Images)
Registered participants in this year’s challenge will have a chance to win a share of $25,000 in prizes, including a $10,000 grand prize for the person who removes the most pythons.
“We look forward to the Challenge each year as a way to raise awareness about non-native fish and wildlife, while also encouraging the public to get involved in Everglades conservation by removing invasive Burmese pythons,” Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Executive Director Roger Young said.
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The 2026 Florida Python Challenge, hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the South Florida Water Management District, features an Ultimate Grand Prize of $10,000 for the registered participant who removes the most pythons.
(Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission / FOX Weather)
The ninth annual event is hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the South Florida Water Management District.
“We appreciate our partners at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Everglades National Park as we continue to work together to raise awareness about invasive species,” South Florida Water Management District Governing Board Member ‘Alligator Ron’ Bergeron said. “This is a great way for the public to get involved in the protection of the Everglades.”
The Burmese pythons are found primarily in and around the Everglades ecosystem in south Florida.
(Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission / FOX Weather)
Burmese pythons are not native to Florida and have negatively impacted native wildlife throughout the region since they became established in the wild around 2000.
According to the FWC, the snakes prey on birds, mammals and other reptiles that are essential to Florida’s ecosystem.
The National Park Service said the Florida Python Challenge raises awareness about invasive species, encourages community involvement and helps protect the biodiversity of the Greater Everglades ecosystem.
Tom Rahill, founder of Swamp Apes, handles a female Burmese python at the Everglades Holiday Park in Fort Lauderdale, Florida pythons.
( RHONA WISE/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)
“Removing Burmese pythons from this ecosystem is critical to the survival of the native species that call this area home,” Bergeron said.
Last year, about 900 people from 30 states and Canada participated in the challenge. Together, they removed more than 290 Burmese pythons from the Everglades, bringing the total number removed during all Florida Python Challenges to more than 1,400.
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To participate in the 2026 Florida Python Challenge, visit FLPythonChallenge.org to register, complete the required online training about Burmese pythons and the unique Everglades ecosystem.
