Everglades, Florida – The 2025 Florida Python Challenge™ officially slithered into action this week as participants from across the state began their hunt for invasive Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades. Hundreds have already registered for the annual 10-day competition, aiming not only to win their share of $25,000 in cash prizes but also to play a vital role in protecting Florida’s fragile native wildlife and ecosystems.

Now in full swing, this year’s Challenge features a new and exciting twist—Everglades National Park has been added as one of eight official competition locations. The addition is expected to draw even more attention to the critical issue of invasive species threatening Florida’s biodiversity.

Hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the South Florida Water Management District, the Florida Python Challenge serves as both a hands-on conservation effort and a public awareness campaign. Participants can still register at FLPythonChallenge.org through the final day of the competition, Sunday, July 20. A $25 registration fee and completion of required online training are needed to participate.

During the opening weekend, July 11–13, registered participants can attend “Training Outposts” at check stations from 4–7 p.m. to receive expert instruction in python handling and removal.

Cash prizes will be awarded in several categories, including novice, professional, and military divisions. The coveted $10,000 Ultimate Grand Prize will go to the individual who removes the most pythons. Additional prizes will be awarded for the most pythons removed and the longest python in each category, thanks to generous contributions from sponsors and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida.

Platinum Level Sponsors—Inversa, Rotary Clubs of Florida, and Mrs. Daphne and Mr. Martin C. Wood III—each donated $10,000 toward conservation through this event. Gold Level Sponsors include the Bergeron Everglades Foundation, Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands, and The Garcia Companies, each contributing $5,000.

Invasive Burmese pythons have had a devastating impact on Florida’s native species, particularly in the Everglades. These non-native snakes prey on mammals, birds, and reptiles, and a single female can lay up to 100 eggs at a time. Since 2000, more than 23,000 pythons have been removed from the state.

Year-round python removal efforts continue, and residents are encouraged to humanely kill Burmese pythons on private lands with landowner permission—no permit or hunting license required. More information about ongoing removal programs and the impact of Burmese pythons can be found at MyFWC.com/Python.

With the 2025 Florida Python Challenge underway, conservationists and competitors alike are working together to preserve the state’s rich and diverse wildlife—one python at a time.