Florida Python Challenge eliminates 280 invasive Burmese pythons

During the 10‑day 2026 Florida Python Challenge, participants removed 280 invasive Burmese pythons from South Florida, primarily within Everglades National Park. The event attracted 907 participants from 30 U.S. states as well as Canada and Vietnam.

Tom Rahill captured the ultimate grand prize by extracting 96 snakes, while Rahm Levinson recorded the longest specimen at 16 feet 5 inches. The competition was organized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in partnership with the South Florida Water Management District, Everglades National Park and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida. FWC officials noted that more than 1,600 pythons have been removed through past challenges and contractors have extracted over 19,000 since 2017.

A separate link roundup also highlighted Rahill’s 96‑snake haul, confirming the same removal figures across sources.