The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Python Action Team – Removing Invasive Constrictors (PATRIC) program has reported record numbers in the removal of invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades, according to Governor Ron DeSantis. The governor also advocated for continued annual funding to build on the state’s initial $2 million investment in 2025.
“FWC’s partnership with Inversa has supercharged the removal of invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “The new program accomplished more removals in July 2025 alone than in the entire year before. Our $2 million investment in python removal in the state budget has made this partnership possible, amplifying the success of the PATRIC program. We must now build on their achievements and continue investing in this proven strategy to protect the Everglades for many years to come.”
“Governor DeSantis has consistently been a champion for conservation and protecting the Everglades,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. “Our partnership with Inversa and the Python Action Team Removing Invasive Constrictors (PATRIC) program highlights the milestones we’ve achieved against the invasive Burmese python, which will benefit generations to come.”
“The success we are achieving against invasive species wouldn’t be possible without the support of Governor DeSantis and the Legislature,” said FWC Executive Director Roger Young. “Thank you to the Inversa team for helping us combat this problem using emerging technological advancements.”
The PATRIC program, established in 2017, has seen increased effectiveness since partnering with Miami-based company Inversa last year. The goal was to triple python removals within two years, but the program has already met its Year 2 objectives a year and a half ahead of schedule. Between May and July 2025, 1,022 pythons were removed, compared to 343 during the same period in 2024, and 748 were removed in July alone—more than the total for the previous year. Additionally, FWC management workload has decreased by 89% and python hunters’ pay has increased by 60% in the same period.
Since 2019, Florida has expanded python removal efforts. Governor DeSantis directed FWC and the Department of Environmental Protection to open all state parks for python removal, adding 135,000 acres for these activities. The U.S. Department of the Interior also granted Florida increased access to federal lands, especially in the Big Cypress National Preserve.
The Florida Python Challenge aims to raise awareness about invasive species and encourage public participation in Everglades conservation. This year, 934 participants from 30 states and Canada removed a record 294 Burmese pythons during the 10-day competition.
Burmese pythons, which are not native to Florida, pose a threat to native wildlife in the Everglades by preying on birds, mammals, and reptiles. Female pythons can lay between 50 and 100 eggs at a time. Since 2000, more than 23,000 wild Burmese pythons have been removed from Florida and reported to the FWC.
The public can assist in controlling nonnative species by removing and humanely killing pythons on private lands with landowner permission and on 32 FWC-managed lands in south Florida. Sightings of nonnative snakes, tegus, and monitor lizards can be reported to the FWC’s Invasive Species Hotline at 888-IVE-GOT1 (888-483-4681), or online at IveGot1.org. More information is available at https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives.
