OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The Florida Python Challenge began July 11, 2025, with participants throughout the state searching to remove the invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades.
More than 23,000 Burmese pythons have been removed from the state since 2000, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. A female Burmese python has the ability to lay between 50 to 100 eggs at a time.
Hundreds have already registered to participate in the removal, and there is still time to register. There are eight official Florida Python Challenge locations, including the Everglades National Park, which was added this year. Up to $25,000 in prizes is being offered. with the $10,000 Ultimate Grand Prize being awarded to whomever removes the most pythons during the competition. Prizes will also be awarded in three separate categories for most and the longest python in three different categories, novice, professional and military. The prizes will be awarded at a later date.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the South Florida Water Management District host the event to increase awareness about invasive species in the state and the threats they pose to indigenous fauna and flora and their disrupting of the state’s ecosystem.
Those who wish to participate can do so up until the last day of the python removal competition on July 20. Those wishing to register can do so by visiting the following website, FLPythonChallenge.org. The registration fee is $25, with participants having to pass a required online training course to complete their registration for this year’s competition to be eligible.
Once the participant has been registered, they can visit one of the FFWCC training outposts, with instructions being offered by experts, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at each check station from July 11-13.
However, removal of an invasive species like the Burmese python, which is harmful to indigenous species and the environment can be removed at any time of the year from any of the 32 FFWCC-managed lands. Burmese pythons may be humanely killed on private lands at any time with the landowner’s permission, with no permit or hunting license required.