Florida’s annual Python Challenge began Friday where participants compete to see who can remove the largest number of Burmese pythons from the Everglades in 10 days.

With $25,000 up for grabs in prizes, including the Ultimate Grand Prize of $10,000, the python hunters have until Sunday, July 19 to remove as many of the nonnative species as possible. The person who removes the most pythons receives the grand prize.

Aside from removing an invasive species, the competition is meant to raise awareness.

Burmese pythons have become one of the most damaging invasive species in Florida and have been negatively impacting native Florida wildlife where they prey on birds, mammals and reptiles. They are primarily found around the Everglades in South Florida, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

“Removing Burmese pythons from this ecosystem is critical to the survival of the native species that call this area home,” said South Florida Water Management District Governing Board Member “Alligator Ron” Bergeron. “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. 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.”

During last year’s Florida Python Challenge, participants removed a record 294 Burmese pythons from the Everglades. Since the first year of the challenge, a total of 1,406 Burmese pythons have been removed. Overall, more than 27,000 Burmese pythons have been reported as removed since 2000.

Combatting the prevalence of these pythons remains a challenge as just one female can lay 50 to more than 100 eggs at a time, according to the FWC.

“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,” said FWC Executive Director Roger Young.

The nonvenomous constrictor snakes are native to Southeast Asia but have been introduced to Florida through accidental escape or intentional release.

A comprehensive statewide plan to combat the situation was finalized in 2021. Multiple state agencies and organizations agreed on its approach to prevent and remove more pythons from Florida’s ecosystem. One such prevention method was supporting Florida’s Exotic Pet Amnesty Program allowing owners to surrender unwanted exotic reptiles without penalty.