A record number of invasive Burmese pythons were removed from south Florida during the 2025 Florida Python Challenge, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The 10-day event saw 934 participants from 30 states and Canada collectively remove 294 pythons, the highest total in the competition’s history.
The annual challenge aims to raise awareness about invasive species and their impact on Florida’s environment. This year marked the first time Everglades National Park was included as one of eight official competition sites.
“The 2025 Florida Python Challenge can go in the books as a success thanks to the hard work of staff, generous support from our partners, continued leadership of Governor DeSantis and involvement of the many competitors in this year’s event,” said Rodney Barreto, FWC Chairman. “The record number of invasive pythons removed from the Everglades during this year’s competition is a big win for native wildlife. With over 1,400 pythons removed during all Florida Python Challenge events to date and over 16,000 pythons removed by FWC and South Florida Water Management District contractors since 2017, collective efforts are the key to continue addressing the threats Burmese pythons pose to Florida’s native wildlife and ecosystems.”
“Congratulations to all of the 2025 Florida Python Challenge winners! Every invasive python that is removed makes a difference for Florida’s environment and its native wildlife,” said South Florida Water Management District Governing Board Member “Alligator Ron” Bergeron. “Under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida has taken unprecedented steps to remove invasive pythons, protect our natural resources and conserve native wildlife. The great partnership between the South Florida Water Management District and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is critical as we continue to work together to protect this national treasure for generations to come. I also want to thank our incredible staff and all of our partners for your hard work and dedication to this effort. Long live the Everglades!”
Winners were announced at an FWC Commission Meeting in Havana, Florida. Taylor Stanberry won the Ultimate Grand Prize by removing 60 Burmese pythons, earning $10,000. Other prizes were awarded in professional, novice, and military categories for both most pythons captured and longest python.
"We applaud the dedication displayed by all participants in this year’s Florida Python Challenge” said Pedro Ramos, superintendent of Everglades National Park. “The record number of pythons removed highlights the importance of citizen engagement as we tackle one of the toughest conservation challenges of our time, invasive exotic species of animals and plants. By collaborating closely with our partners at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the South Florida Water Management District, we are making meaningful progress toward preserving the Everglades and its diverse wildlife for generations to come."
“We are very grateful to our partners, sponsors, Governor DeSantis, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Foundation, and the over 900 registered participants for helping make the 2025 Florida Python Challenge a success,” said Roger Young, FWC Executive Director. “We could not have done this without the continued support and much-appreciated collaboration with our partners at the South Florida Water Management District and the National Park Service. This year’s significant addition of Everglades National Park as one of our official Python Challenge competition locations provided an exciting new opportunity for competitors while helping to boost public awareness about invasive Burmese pythons and how people can help.”
Platinum Level sponsors Inversa, Rotary Clubs of Florida, Mrs. Daphne Wood & Mr. Martin C. Wood III each contributed $10,000 toward conservation efforts related to this event. Additional support came from Gold Level sponsors including Bergeron Everglades Foundation; Edison National Bank/Bank of Islands; The Garcia Companies; as well as partner organizations such as Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida.
Burmese pythons are not native to south Florida but have become established there due largely to released or escaped pets over recent decades. These snakes prey on local birds, mammals, reptiles—and females can lay up to 100 eggs at once—making them a threat to native species throughout the region. Since 2000 more than 23,000 wild Burmese pythons have been removed from across Florida.
Outside organized competitions like this one there are other ways residents can help control nonnative species: anyone may humanely kill these snakes on private land with permission or on designated FWC-managed lands throughout south Florida. Sightings should be reported through FWC's Invasive Species Hotline or online via IveGot1.org.
The Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida supports conservation efforts statewide by raising funds—nearly $100 million since its founding—for projects benefiting native animals/plants along with outdoor recreation/education programs (WildlifeFlorida.org).