Florida launches $25,000 Python Challenge to curb invasive pythons in Everglades

Florida’s Wildlife Conservation Commission and the South Florida Water Management District have opened the annual Florida Python Challenge, offering a total of $25,000 in cash prizes for participants who capture the most Burmese pythons in the Everglades. The competition requires hunters to complete safety training and operate only in authorized wetland areas. 2025 saw 934 entrants who removed 294 snakes, adding to the more than 27,000 pythons eliminated statewide since 2000.

The program also incorporates scientific tactics, such as fitting male pythons with radio transmitters to locate breeding females and reduce egg production. Officials say the combined citizen‑science effort is essential to protect the Everglades’ native birds, mammals and reptiles from the predatory invasive species.