Home / Environment / Florida Battles Invasive Pythons in Annual Challenge
Florida Battles Invasive Pythons in Annual Challenge
10 Jul
Summary
- The 2026 Python Challenge spans July 10-19, offering cash prizes.
- Over 900 participants removed 294 pythons from the Everglades last year.
- Invasive pythons threaten native species and can harm pets.
The 2026 Florida Python Challenge commenced on July 10th and will continue through July 19th, inviting participants to hunt Burmese pythons in the Everglades. Cash rewards are available for both novice and professional hunters, with registration open until the final day of the competition.
Last year, the initiative saw over 900 participants remove 294 pythons from South Florida's ecosystem. In 2025, professional python hunter Taylor Stanberry secured the $10,000 grand prize by capturing 60 snakes, later using her winnings to establish a nonprofit sanctuary.
Burmese pythons were introduced to Florida in the 1970s and have become a significant threat. Lacking natural predators, they prey on native species, including those that are threatened or endangered. The pythons also pose a danger to human safety and can consume prey equivalent to their entire body mass.
