EVERGLADES, Fla. — The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and its conservation partners announced the results of the 2026 Florida Python Challenge, revealing that participants removed 280 invasive Burmese pythons from South Florida during the 10-day competition aimed at protecting the Everglades ecosystem.

The annual event drew 907 participants from 30 states, as well as competitors from Canada and Vietnam, highlighting the growing international interest in helping combat one of Florida’s most destructive invasive species.

This year’s Ultimate Grand Prize of $10,000 was awarded to Tom Rahill, who removed an impressive 96 Burmese pythons, all from Everglades National Park, which returned this year as one of eight official competition locations.

The longest python recorded during the challenge measured 16 feet, 5 inches and was captured by Rahm Levinson, also within Everglades National Park.

FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto called the event a significant victory for Florida’s native wildlife, noting that more than 1,600 pythons have been removed through Florida Python Challenge events since the competition began. He added that FWC and South Florida Water Management District contractors have removed more than 19,000 Burmese pythons since 2017, helping reduce the threat the invasive snakes pose to native wildlife and fragile ecosystems.

The challenge was hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in partnership with the South Florida Water Management District, the National Park Service, and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida.

South Florida Water Management District Governing Board Member Ron “Alligator Ron” Bergeron said every python removed helps protect the Everglades and the native species that depend on it, while FWC Executive Director Roger Young thanked the hundreds of participants, volunteers, sponsors, and partner agencies whose efforts made the event possible.

2026 Florida Python Challenge Winners

Ultimate Grand Prize

  • Tom Rahill — 96 pythons ($10,000)

Professional Division

  • Most Pythons: Christina Kraus — 36
  • Runner-Up: Taylor Stanberry — 34
  • Longest Python: Rahm Levinson — 16 feet, 5 inches

Novice Division

  • Most Pythons: Bart Shreve — 9
  • Runner-Up: Michael Marousky — 4
  • Longest Python: Vincent Poole — 8 feet, 2 inches

Military Division

  • Most Pythons: Stephen Payton (U.S. Army) — 3
  • Runner-Up: Jonathan Miller (U.S. Air Force) — 2
  • Longest Python: Jeffery “Heath” Roser (U.S. Army) — 8 feet, 7 inches

Burmese pythons, native to Southeast Asia, have become one of Florida’s most damaging invasive species after becoming established in the Everglades. The snakes prey on birds, mammals, and reptiles, disrupting native ecosystems, and a single female can lay 50 to 100 eggs at a time.

According to the FWC, nearly 28,000 wild Burmese pythons have been removed from Florida since 2000. In addition to the annual challenge, residents may humanely remove Burmese pythons from private property with landowner permission, and year-round removal opportunities are available on dozens of FWC-managed lands.

State wildlife officials continue to encourage the public to report sightings of invasive pythons and other nonnative reptiles as part of Florida’s ongoing effort to protect the Everglades and its native wildlife.

Florida Python Challenge 2026 Elimina 280 Pitones Birmanas Invasoras de los Everglades

EVERGLADES, Florida — La Comisión de Conservación de Pesca y Vida Silvestre de Florida (FWC) anunció los resultados del Florida Python Challenge 2026, informando que los participantes removieron 280 pitones birmanas invasoras durante la competencia anual de 10 días, diseñada para ayudar a proteger el ecosistema de los Everglades.

El evento reunió a 907 participantes de 30 estados, además de competidores de Canadá y Vietnam, quienes colaboraron en la captura de una de las especies invasoras más dañinas para la vida silvestre de Florida.

El Gran Premio de $10,000 fue para Tom Rahill, quien capturó 96 pitones, todas dentro del Parque Nacional Everglades, una de las ocho sedes oficiales de la competencia. La pitón más larga, de 16 pies y 5 pulgadas, fue capturada por Rahm Levinson, también en el Parque Nacional Everglades.

El presidente de la FWC, Rodney Barreto, destacó que el desafío continúa demostrando el impacto de la colaboración entre agencias, organizaciones y el público para proteger la fauna nativa de Florida. Desde el inicio del Florida Python Challenge se han eliminado más de 1,600 pitones, mientras que contratistas de la FWC y del Distrito de Manejo de Agua del Sur de Florida han retirado más de 19,000 pitones birmanas desde 2017.

El desafío fue organizado por la FWC en colaboración con el Distrito de Manejo de Agua del Sur de Florida, el Servicio de Parques Nacionales y la Fundación Fish & Wildlife de Florida.

Las pitones birmanas, originarias del sudeste asiático, representan una seria amenaza para los Everglades al alimentarse de aves, mamíferos y reptiles nativos. Según la FWC, casi 28,000 pitones silvestres han sido removidas de Florida desde el año 2000 como parte de los esfuerzos para controlar esta especie invasora y proteger uno de los ecosistemas más importantes del estado.