The Florida Python Challenge 2025, a 10-day tournament aimed at reducing the number of Burmese pythons in the state, which has negatively impacted the Everglades ecosystem, will begin in July, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD).
According to reports, the competition is scheduled to begin on June 11th and end on the 20th, but the first participants have already begun registering, encompassing all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels in this field. FWC Regional Director Tom Reinert believes the contest represents "one of the most effective strategies we have to address this environmental issue."
At a press conference at pump station 3-356 near Homestead, Tom explained that the invasive species has significantly affected Florida's native mammal fauna, disrupting the natural food chain. The Florida Python Challenge combines interactive learning with a challenge where contestants aim to catch and eliminate the largest number of Burmese pythons.
The reptile, which can reach 90 kg in weight and six meters in length, has developed primarily from southern Lake Okeechobee to the Keys, but has significant populations in areas of Naples, Broward, Collier, and Everglades National Park.
By 2025, the total prize fund will reach $25.000. The participant with the most catches will receive a $10.000 prize, while the one who catches the longest snake will receive $1.000. Several categories will be established to recognize both novice and expert hunters, in addition to a special section dedicated to veterans and active-duty members of the military.
To participate in the challenge, you must pay approximately $25 and complete a mandatory half-hour online training course. You must earn more than 85 points to become a trapper. This training covers both personal safety issues and humane protocols for hunting and eliminating these animals.
Young people under 18 have the option to participate as long as they are accompanied by a registered adult. Additionally, all participants are required to carry their registration receipt, either printed or digital, throughout their time in the competition areas.
Hunting will be restricted to a total of eight state-managed areas, which are as follows:
- Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area
- Everglades and Francis S. Taylor WMA
- Everglades National Park
- Frog Pond North Public Small Game Hunting Area
- Holey Land WMA
- Rocky Glades PGSHA
- Rotenberger WMA
- Southern Glades Wildlife and Environmental Area
Tournament rules prohibit the use of firearms, dogs, or drones; captures must be made with hooks, tongs, capture sticks, snake bags, and other hand tools. First-time participants in this competition must humanely euthanize the pythons and then freeze their bodies for delivery to the official locations within 24 hours.
Likewise, hunting native snakes, harming the eggs of native species, or using bait, traps, or explosives is strictly prohibited. Failure to comply with these rules can result in immediate disqualification and potential legal penalties.
Florida state programs have euthanized approximately 23.500 pythons since 2000. However, it is estimated that tens of thousands remain at large, especially in areas of South Florida. These python species, native to Southeast Asia, originally arrived in the U.S. and became popular as exotic pets, but many later escaped or were released into the wild, where they still have no natural enemies.
According to the FWC, pythons feed on a variety of native species, including endangered mammals. They also pose a risk to those they hunt. Amy Siewe, nicknamed the "Python Huntress," told local media that bites are common and very bloody: "It hurts, but the worst part is how much it bleeds. You get used to it, but nobody wants to be bitten."
Siewe recommends holding the snake by the back of its head to prevent any attacks. These species are venomous, but caution is important because others, such as the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, as well as the eastern coral rattlesnake and the water moccasin, do have venom. This is why online training is so important.
Likewise, researchers equip captured pythons with tracking devices to monitor their behavior and reproductive cycle. If one of these snakes, which carry fluorescent markings, is found, it must be released and authorities notified of its location so the capture can be confirmed without harming the animal.
The Python Challenge is not considered a for-profit or tourism event. For-profit activities such as boat tours, unauthorized filming, or hunting services in protected areas are prohibited. Authorities emphasize that the event's purpose is conservation.
Ron Bergeron, a member of the SFWMD board, emphasized that this competition aims to empower citizens to become involved in protecting their environment: "It's not just about catching snakes. It's a way to teach the public how to respond to a real ecological threat."
