Florida offers rewards to hunt invasive Burmese pythons

Florida authorities are utilizing financial incentives to combat the spread of invasive Burmese pythons in the Everglades. The state employs various methods to control the population, which is estimated to be in the tens of thousands and poses a threat to native mammals, reptiles, and birds.

One primary method is the annual Florida Python Challenge, a ten-day competition that offers significant cash prizes. In 2026, the event drew 907 participants from various regions, including the United States, Canada, and Vietnam. The top prize of $10,000 was awarded to a participant who removed 96 pythons. Additional prizes were distributed for the most pythons caught in professional, novice, and military categories, as well as for finding the longest specimen.

Beyond the annual challenge, the state maintains year-round programs. The South Florida Water Management District employs up to 50 contractors who receive hourly wages, bonuses based on the size of the snakes captured, and rewards for locating active nests. Organizations like the Python Action Team Removing Invasive Constrictors (PATRIC) also assist in these efforts, with contractors earning hourly rates and additional compensation for specific achievements.