2025 Florida Python Challenge Begins: What You Need to Know

The 2025 Florida Python Challenge is officially underway, offering both seasoned hunters and newcomers the chance to compete for cash prizes while contributing to the removal of the invasive Burmese python from Florida’s delicate ecosystem. Starting on July 11 and running through July 20, this 10-day event will see participants hunting for these notorious constrictors that have posed a significant threat to local wildlife.

Why the Python Challenge is Important

Burmese pythons have become one of Florida’s most dangerous invasive species, wreaking havoc on the environment. These nonvenomous constrictors have a generalist predator diet, which means they prey on a wide range of animals, including endangered species such as the wood stork and Key Largo wood rat, and even alligators. The challenge encourages the humane removal of these reptiles to help protect Florida’s native wildlife, as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) works to combat their overwhelming presence.

Key Details of the 2025 Florida Python Challenge

• Event Dates: Starts 12:01 a.m. on July 11 and ends at 5 p.m. on July 20.
• Prize Pool: The grand prize is $10,000, with an additional $15,000 in prizes across different categories.
• Location: The event will take place in multiple locations, including Everglades National Park and seven other sites across the state.

How to Participate

To join, participants must sign up on the official Florida Python Challenge website after completing an online training and passing a quiz with at least an 85% score. The registration fee is $25.

Rules for the Challenge

There are several important rules to ensure the humane removal of pythons:

• Firearms are prohibited.
• Dogs or other animals cannot assist in the hunt.
• Native species must not be harmed—if a native snake is killed or if eggs from native species are destroyed, participants will be disqualified.
• Only professional hunters are allowed to transport live pythons. Novices must humanely kill the pythons immediately on-site.

For full details, including the grounds for disqualification, visit the official rules page.

Why the Challenge Exists

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) has been actively working to control the growing population of Burmese pythons in South Florida. Since 2000, over 23,500 pythons have been removed from Florida’s natural areas. The program saw a significant increase in the removal efforts after the paid program was introduced in 2017. These efforts are critical to preserving the state’s biodiversity and protecting both wildlife and human safety.

The Impact of Burmese Pythons

These invasive snakes are a major threat to both wildlife and human safety. They often prey on pets, including cats and dogs, and disrupt ecosystems by consuming endangered animals.

By offering cash incentives, the Florida Python Challenge hopes to continue its success in reducing the python population and mitigating the harm caused by these snakes.

More… 

• https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/2025-florida-python-challenge-what-to-know-about-event-23581377
• https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/news/2025/07/07/burmese-pythons-florida-animal-attacks-kill-humans-snake-movies/84493246007/
• https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/2025-florida-python-challenge-starts-today-what-to-know/3655938/