If you’ve ever thought, “Only in Florida,” this one’s for you.
The 2026 Florida Python Challenge™ returns July 10–19, 2026, giving participants 10 days to help remove invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades while competing for cash prizes.
Why It Matters
Burmese pythons are one of the Everglades’ biggest threats. The invasive snakes prey on native birds, mammals, and reptiles, disrupting one of the world’s most unique ecosystems. The challenge helps protect Florida’s wildlife while raising awareness about invasive species.
How to Participate
Anyone 18 or older can compete by:
- Completing the required online training
- Registering for the competition
- Following the official challenge rules
Participants can remove pythons from designated public lands throughout South Florida, with prizes awarded in multiple categories.
Last Year’s Results
The 2025 challenge set a new record, with nearly 1,000 participants from 30 states and Canada removing 294 Burmese pythons.
Some of the biggest highlights included:
- Taylor Stanberry became the first woman to win the $10,000 Grand Prize after removing 60 pythons.
- Donna Kalil finished second in the Pro Division with 56 pythons.
- The longest snake measured 15 feet, 11 inches in the Novice Division.
Since 2017, more than 16,000 invasive pythons have been removed from Florida through contractor programs and competitions like the Python Challenge.
Think you’ve got what it takes? Learn more and register at FLPythonChallenge.org.
