Nearly 300 invasive pythons removed from South Florida during snake hunt
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports more than 500 nonnative species have been spotted in Florida, with many originating from the animal trade. Two of the more notorious species that have grabbed headlines include the Burmese python and lionfish.
On the hunt for pythons in Florida
The invasive Burmese python is a serious threat to the Florida Everglades, preying on native species. Efforts are underway to remove as many as possible, as they also migrate north in search of new prey. FOX13's Mark Wilson joined expert python hunters for the Florida Python Challenge.
HAVANA, Fla. - Participants in the annual Florida Python Challenge removed a record 294 invasive Burmese pythons from South Florida during a recent 10-day competition, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recently announced.
The annual event drew nearly 1,000 participants from around the United States and Canada, all with a goal to remove the largest snakes from the region around the Everglades.
"The 2025 Florida Python Challenge can go in the books as a success thanks to the hard work of staff," FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto said in a statement. "The record number of invasive pythons removed from the Everglades during this year’s competition is a big win for native wildlife."
The ultimate grand prize of $10,000 and bragging rights went to Taylor Stanberry of Naples, Florida, who removed 60 Burmese pythons from the swamps of South Florida.
The longest python caught during the event was reported to be some 15 feet, 11 inches long – significantly below the all-time record of 19 feet caught by hunters in the Big Cypress National Preserve in 2023.
DAVIE, FL - JANUARY 12: A Burmese python is held by Ron Bergeron as he speaks to the media at the registration event and press conference for the start of the 2013 Python Challenge on January 12, 2013 in Davie, Florida.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and its partners launched the month long 2013 Python Challenge to harvest Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades, a species that is not native to Florida.The contest features prizes of $1,000 for catching the longest snake and $1,500 for catching the most.
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images / Getty Images)
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Since 2017, the FWC estimates more than 1,400 pythons have been removed during python challenges, while contractors have removed over 16,000 of the invasive species.
Experts believe Burmese pythons were initially imported to Florida in the 1990s and somehow found their way into the Everglades, where the population exploded.
It is unknown what the current population of Burmese pythons is in South Florida, but a 2013 estimate put the population between 30,000 and 150,000 in the Sunshine State.
Pedro Ramos, superintendent of Everglades National Park, said events such as the recent Florida Python Challenge are critical in addressing and shedding light on the problems posed by the invasive species.
"The record number of pythons removed highlights the importance of citizen engagement as we tackle one of the toughest conservation challenges of our time," Ramos said. "By collaborating closely with our partners at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the South Florida Water Management District, we are making meaningful progress toward preserving the Everglades and its diverse wildlife for generations to come."
Massive 18-foot python captured, killed by Florida alligator trappers
A group of alligator trappers were able to capture and kill a massive python slithering next to a road in Florida over the weekend. FOX 35 reporter Esther Bower has the report from south Brevard County, Florida.
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Previous studies have shown that animals such as bobcats, deer, raccoons, rabbits and foxes have all seen declines in the Everglades, due to the giant snakes.
Outside of the Florida Python Challenge, anyone may remove and kill pythons and other nonnative animals on private lands with permission from the landowner.
The public is also encouraged to report sightings of invasive reptiles to FWC’s hotline at 888-483-4681 or online at IveGot1.org.
Burmese Python population growth map
(NeoBiota/UF / FOX Weather)