Invasive Burmese pythons have slithered to a new location in South Florida, establishing a colony outside the previously established core range, according to wildlife officials. Historically, Burmese python populations in South Florida were centered in Everglades National Park in Miami-Dade County,

On July 10, hundreds of professional and amateur snake hunters entered the annual Florida Python Challenge, a 10-day race to remove as many of the invasive animals as possible from the Everglades. The person who bags the most snakes will earn a $10,

Florida’s fight against invasive Burmese pythons has increasingly relied on an unusual tool: cash incentives large enough to draw hunters, hobbyists and out-of-state competitors into the swamps for a shot at a payout.

Registration for the 2026 Florida Python Challenge is officially underway, as participants have the chance to take part in a 10-day competition to win a grand prize. The competition takes place from Friday, July 10, until 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 19.

Florida has spent decades trying to reduce python numbers through organized removal programs, public hunts, and contractor teams trained to capture the snakes.

What began as a family outing to help remove invasive snakes from Florida's Everglades quickly turned into a terrifying fight for survival. Carl Jackson believed he had spotted a Burmese python measuring about 12 feet as it crossed a dirt road in Big Cypress National Preserve.