Florida's Python Challenge Launches with $25K Prizes in Everglades!

Everglades National Park, Florida, USA - The 2025 Florida Python Challenge™ has officially kicked off, emphasizing the urgent need to tackle the invasive Burmese python issue plaguing the Florida Everglades. Hundreds of eager participants have signed up for this exciting 10-day competition, which promises a tantalizing $25,000 in cash prizes. This year, Everglades National Park has joined as a new venue, underscoring the critical role of invasive species management in Florida’s rich ecosystem. According to Positively Osceola, the event is hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) in partnership with the South Florida Water Management District, fostering a community response to this environmental challenge.

If you want to get involved, registration is still open at FLPythonChallenge.org until July 20, with a nominal $25 fee that includes mandatory online training. In fact, expert instruction will be available through Training Outposts from July 11–13, ensuring participants are well-prepared for python handling and removal. Participants are expected to attend an orientation on their first day at an Agent Authorized Station, where they’ll learn the rules, receive essential materials, and sign in and out using QR codes—making the management of this substantial competition effective and organized.

Understanding the Impact of the Invasive Python

Why are Burmese pythons considered such a threat? These snakes have a voracious appetite, capable of preying on native mammals, birds, and reptiles. In fact, a single female can lay up to 100 eggs, contributing to an alarming population explosion since they became established in southern Florida during the 1980s. According to the National Park Service, this invasion has led to devastating declines in local wildlife. Reports show a staggering 95% drop in observed mammal species in the Everglades from 1996 to 2016, highlighting how disruptive these reptiles can be to the local ecosystem.

Over the years, efforts to rid Florida of these invasive constrictors have been ongoing, with more than 23,000 pythons removed since the year 2000. Residents can participate in these efforts year-round, with the option to humanely kill pythons on private lands, provided they have the landowner’s permission. In addition, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has laid down strict regulations to control the situation. In 2012, Burmese pythons were classified as injurious under the Lacey Act, which restricted their importation and transportation in the U.S.

Community Involvement and Future Efforts

The opportunity for public engagement in the Florida Python Challenge™ showcases the community’s proactive stance against this environmental issue. With the expected participation from local citizens, it’s a chance to not just win cash prizes but also contribute to the well-being of Florida’s unique natural landscape. Sponsorships have also emerged, such as those from Inversa and the Rotary Clubs of Florida, each donating significant amounts to fuel this initiative.

As the event unfolds, participants will engage in various methods of python removal, which, while challenging, could lead to impactful results. The implementation of innovative techniques for detection and removal, such as the use of detection dogs and environmental DNA testing, are forcing new strategies into the community toolkit. Controlling this invasive species requires continuous collaboration among various agencies, and as the information from the Florida Python Control Plan highlights, education and public involvement are crucial for success.

The challenge not only aims to remove pythons but also raises significant awareness about the impacts of invasive species on the Everglades‘ ecosystem. Those interested in joining the fight against these invasive snakes should not wait; every pair of hands makes a difference in returning Florida’s natural habitat to its former glory. For more information about removal efforts, please visit MyFWC.com/Python and stay informed on how you can help.