The Florida Python Challenge has begun: $10,000 for whoever catches the most pythons

On Friday, July 11, the Florida Python Challenge 2025 officially began, a public competition organized by the state to reduce the population of Burmese pythons in the Everglades, one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the United States.

The event, which will run until 5:00 PM on July 20, features a prize pool of $25,000 and aims to encourage the removal of this invasive species that threatens the native wildlife of South Florida.

The challenge, which is held annually, offers up to $10,000 to the participant who captures the most pythons, and $1,000 to the person who catches the longest snake.

Registration, with a non-refundable fee of $25, is still open through the official event website, flpythonchallenge.org.

All participants receive an official t-shirt, and many take part both for the prize and to contribute to environmental conservation.

Burmese pythons, native to Southeast Asia, are large, constricting, and non-venomous snakes. However, their presence in the Everglades—due to intentional releases or accidental escapes—has had a devastating effect on populations of birds, small mammals, and reptiles.

Since the year 2000, authorities have removed approximately 23,500 specimens in the state, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

Most of these snakes are concentrated in the Everglades National Park, in Miami-Dade County, but their spread now reaches from the south of Lake Okeechobee to Key Largo, and from the west of Broward County to Collier County.

Sightings have also been reported in Naples and areas near Lake Okeechobee.

In July 2023, a 22-year-old captured a female python measuring 19 feet long and weighing 125 pounds in the Big Cypress National Preserve, the largest ever recorded in the state.

Strict rules to protect native species

The competition is governed by a set of rules designed to prevent harm to the ecosystem.

The use of firearms is prohibited, as well as the use of dogs or other animals to assist in hunting.

Participants will also be disqualified if they kill native snakes or destroy the eggs of indigenous species.

Only professional hunters are allowed to transport live pythons. Novices are required to humanely euthanize them at the place of capture.

The correct identification of species is crucial, as some Burmese pythons can be confused with protected native snakes.

Beyond the competition, the organizers emphasize the educational value of the event, as it allows participants and the audience to learn about the importance of preserving ecological balance.

In the event of spotting a Burmese python or any other exotic snake on the loose, the public can report it by calling 888-Ive-Got1.

A threat to one of the richest ecosystems on the planet

The Everglades cover nearly four million acres and are home to more than 360 species of birds, 300 species of fish, 50 species of reptiles, and 40 species of mammals, among many other forms of life.

Among its most iconic species are the manatee, the Florida panther, the American crocodile, the Cape Sable seaside sparrow, and the Key Largo mouse.

Burmese pythons, by feeding on native animals and occupying their ecological niche, have contributed to the local decline of several species.

FWC studies have detected severe impacts on native mammals and warn that these snakes also prey on threatened or endangered species.

The Python Challenge not only aims to control this invasive species but also to raise awareness about the fragility of South Florida's ecosystem.

For many, beyond the award, the competition represents a direct way to act in defense of one of the most important natural reserves on the continent.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Florida Python Challenge 2025