Florida Connectz-Registration now open for Florida’s annual python hunt

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WWSB) – Registration has opened for the 2025 Florida Python Challenge, set for July 11-20.

Hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the South Florida Water Management District, the competition features a grand prize of $10,000 for the registered participant who removes the most pythons.

Also this year, the Everglades National Park has been added as one of eight official competition locations.

Burmese pythons are not native to Florida and prey on native wildlife. They are found primarily in and around the Everglades ecosystem in south Florida where they feed on birds, mammals and other reptiles.

A female Burmese python can lay 50 to 100 eggs at a time. Since 2000, more than 23,000 Burmese pythons have been reported to the FWC as removed from Florida’s environment.

Visit FLPythonChallenge.org to register for the competition, take the required online training, view the optional training opportunities, learn more about Burmese pythons and the unique Everglades ecosystem, and find resources for planning your trip. 

Prizes will also be awarded in the professional, novice and military categories.

Last year, participants removed 195 invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades. In 2024, 857 people from 33 states and Canada registered for the 10-day competition. 

Copyright 2025 WWSB. All rights reserved.