Registration is now open for the 10-day 2026 Florida Python Challenge, which gives participants the chance to win prizes while helping remove invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades.
The competition begins July 10 and runs through 5 p.m. July 19. Participants can compete for a share of $25,000 in prizes, including a $10,000 grand prize awarded to the registered participant who removes the most pythons from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the South Florida Water Management District
“We are excited to announce the dates for this year’s Florida Python Challenge, which will be our ninth such event to date,” said FWC Executive Director Roger Young in a press release. “We look forward to the Challenge each year as a way to raise awareness about nonnative fish and wildlife, while also encouraging the public to get involved in Everglades conservation by removing invasive Burmese pythons."
This year’s event includes Everglades National Park as a partner and one of eight official competition locations.
“Removing Burmese pythons from this ecosystem is critical to the survival of the native species that call this area home. We appreciate our partners at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Everglades National Park as we continue to work together to raise awareness about invasive species," said South Florida Water Management District Governing Board Member “Alligator Ron” Bergeron in a press release. "This is a great way for the public to get involved in the protection of the Everglades and I want to thank everyone who is participating in the 2026 Florida Python Challenge. Long live the Everglades!”
Last year’s competition resulted in a record 294 invasive Burmese pythons removed from the Everglades. According to the press release, a total of 1,406 nonnative constrictors have been removed by 934 participants since the competition began. Competitors have traveled from 30 states and Canada to participate.
“Protecting the Everglades requires strong collaboration across agencies, organizations, and the public,” said Superintendent Pedro Ramos of Everglades National Park in a press release. “We are pleased once again to participate in the Florida Python Challenge, which highlights how shared stewardship can contribute to the long-term protection of native species and park resources.”
In addition to the 32 Commission-managed lands open for python removal, invasive pythons may also be humanely killed on private property with landowner permission. No permit or hunting license is required.
The FWC said in a press release, they encourage people to remove and humanely kill invasive pythons from private lands when possible.
Participants must register through the official challenge webpage and complete the required online training before competing. The training includes information about the Everglades ecosystem, python removal practices and additional event resources.