The 2025 Florida Python Challenge is set to begin in July, offering participants a chance to contribute to the removal of invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades. This initiative aims to raise awareness about invasive species and protect native wildlife while offering $25,000 in prizes.
This year’s competition, which runs from July 11-20, introduces Everglades National Park as one of eight official locations. The event is organized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the South Florida Water Management District. Participants have the opportunity to win an Ultimate Grand Prize of $10,000 for removing the most pythons. Additional cash prizes will be awarded for those who remove the most or longest pythons across novice, professional, and military categories.
For those interested in joining, registration is available at FLPythonChallenge.org. The website also offers required online training and information on Burmese pythons and the Everglades ecosystem.
Beyond this event, individuals can engage in year-round python removal on 32 Commission-managed lands or on private lands with permission from landowners without needing a permit or hunting license. The FWC encourages humane removal of these invasive snakes whenever possible.
Burmese pythons are non-native to Florida and pose a threat to local wildlife by preying on birds, mammals, and reptiles. They are primarily found around the Everglades ecosystem in South Florida. A female python can lay between 50 to over 100 eggs at once. Since 2000, more than 23,000 Burmese pythons have been reported removed from Florida’s environment. More details are available at MyFWC.com/Python.
