Challenge accepted! The 2024 Florida Python Challenge officially kicked off at 12:01 a.m. on August 9, with participants from across the state and beyond converging on the Everglades to hunt and remove invasive Burmese pythons. This year, hundreds of registrants are competing for a chance to win up to $10,000 in prizes while contributing to the protection of Florida’s unique wildlife and the preservation of the Everglades ecosystem.
This annual event is hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the South Florida Water Management District, and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida. The Florida Python Challenge raises awareness about the ecological threats posed by invasive species and offers the public a hands-on opportunity to contribute to Everglades conservation. The challenge runs until 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 18.
“Florida’s natural resources are unparalleled, and Governor Ron DeSantis has been instrumental in our efforts to manage and remove invasive species like the Burmese python,” said FWC Executive Director Roger Young. “The Florida Python Challenge™ has become a powerful platform for educating the public about the threats invasive species pose to our ecosystems and how they can actively help protect our native wildlife.”
South Florida Water Management District Governing Board Member “Alligator Ron” Bergeron added, “The Everglades is a national treasure, and the Florida Python Challenge™ is a fantastic way to engage the public in understanding this unique ecosystem. Removing invasive pythons from the Greater Everglades is essential, and we are committed to doing everything possible to combat this threat.”
If you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time! Interested participants can take the mandatory online training and register until the last day of the competition at FLPythonChallenge.org. The registration fee is $25, and participants must complete the online training to finalize their registration.
This year, a total of $25,000 in cash prizes is up for grabs. Competitors can vie for the $10,000 Ultimate Grand Prize for removing the most pythons, along with other awards for the most and longest pythons captured across novice, professional, and military categories. Prizes will be awarded after the competition, thanks to the generous contributions of sponsors, including the Bergeron Everglades Foundation, Inversa Leathers, Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands, and Dakota Matting. These prizes directly support conservation efforts in Florida through the 2024 Florida Python Challenge™.
To learn more, visit FLPythonChallenge.org, where you can register, complete the online training, and access resources for planning your trip to South Florida. Registered participants can also attend one of the Training Outposts for expert instruction during the opening weekend, from 4-7 p.m., August 9-11, at each check station.
About Invasive Burmese Pythons
Burmese pythons are non-native to Florida and have a detrimental impact on local species. Primarily found in the Everglades ecosystem, these large snakes prey on birds, mammals, and other reptiles. A single female Burmese python can lay between 50 to 100 eggs at a time. Since 2000, more than 21,000 Burmese pythons have been removed from Florida. For more information, visit MyFWC.com/Python.
