The 2026 Florida Python Challenge™ kicks off this week, raising awareness about invasive species while helping to protect the unique ecosystem of the Everglades and the wildlife that live there. 

DID YOU KNOW: Invasive Burmese pythons are one of the most destructive species in America’s Everglades.

REMOVING INVASIVE PYTHONS: These invasive snakes threaten our precious native ecosystem by preying upon the wildlife that lives there, including wading birds, mammals, and other reptiles. Their aggressive predation on native wildlife robs panthers, raptors, bobcats, and other native predators of their primary food sources.

Invasive pythons are found primarily in and around the Everglades ecosystem in South Florida. A female Burmese python may lay 50 to over 100 eggs at a time. 

JOIN THE CHALLENGE: The 2026 Florida Python Challenge™ will take place from July 10-19, 2026. The annual ten-day competition is hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the South Florida Water Management District (District). A highlight of this year’s event is the return of Everglades National Park as a partner and one of eight official Florida Python Challenge competition locations.

Visit FLPythonChallenge.org to register and take the required online training, as well as get access to educational information on Burmese pythons and the unique Everglades ecosystem, optional training opportunities, and resources for planning your trip to south Florida for the event.

PROTECTING NATIVE WILDLIFE AND ECOSYSTEMS: The State of Florida has taken unprecedented action to protect the Everglades and eliminate invasive pythons from across the landscape. Over 19,000 pythons have been removed since the FWC and the District teamed up to combat this invasive species.

Last year, Python Challenge participants removed a record 294 invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades. To date, 1,406 invasive pythons have been removed during all Florida Python Challenge™ competitions.

LEARN MORE: Every python that is removed is making a difference to protect the Everglades and the region’s diverse and native wildlife. The District continues to work to protect South Florida’s natural resources and combat invasive species like Burmese pythons.

We encourage you to visit FLPythonChallenge.org to learn more about the Florida Python Challenge™ and SFWMD.gov/Python to learn more about our efforts to remove these invasive snakes from the Everglades landscape.