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Pythons Invade New Florida Areas Beyond Everglades
26 Jul
Summary
- Burmese pythons have established populations outside the Everglades.
- These invasive snakes prey on native species and threaten ecosystems.
- The 2025 Python Challenge removed over 200 invasive pythons.
Burmese pythons, notorious invasive snakes, have significantly expanded their presence in Florida, establishing populations outside of the historically recognized Everglades region. These destructive reptiles, which have few natural predators, pose a grave threat to the state's native biodiversity, preying on various species, including those that are endangered.
The pythons' range now extends from south of Lake Okeechobee to Key Largo and westward into Collier County. A new satellite population has also been confirmed in a western part of Charlotte County. These snakes can grow up to 10 feet long and consume prey equivalent to their entire body mass, disrupting the delicate ecosystem.
In an effort to curb the python population, Florida has held its annual Python Challenge. The 2025 event, which ran from July 10 to July 19, saw over 900 participants remove 294 pythons. Professional hunter Taylor Stanberry won the grand prize for capturing 60 snakes. The 2026 Python Challenge is also underway, continuing the incentive for hunters to remove these invasive creatures.
