ENVIRONMENT

Florida Python Challenge launches in Everglades this July

PUBLISHED Jul 10, 2026, 10:08 AM ET

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Sources: 5

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Sources: 5

Everglades, Florida — The Florida Python Challenge began Friday, July 10 at 12:01 a.m., running through Sunday, July 19 at 5 p.m., offering registered participants a chance to remove invasive Burmese pythons and compete for a share of $25,000, including a $10,000 grand prize announced by FWC and partners. This week organizers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the South Florida Water Management District emphasized required online training, registration procedures, and prize categories for novice, professional and military entrants; registration remains open through the competition and participants must follow handling, identification and submission rules before prizes are awarded.

By Emily Rhodes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Prior years: Cumulative removals total 1,406 pythons from earlier competitions.
2025: Competition record of 294 pythons removed during that year’s challenge.
Early July 2026: Organizers publish rules, training, and sponsors ahead of event.
July 10, 2026: 2026 Python Challenge opens at 12:01 a.m. across official locations.
July 19, 2026: Challenge closes at 5 p.m.; submissions to be verified for prizes.

News Intelligence

The Florida Python Challenge is about community safety and environmental balance. Burmese pythons are invasive, threatening local wildlife. By participating or supporting, you're helping restore the Everglades. Check if your state has similar programs.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 5
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 5

Who Benefited

Registered participants, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, sponsoring organizations, and conservation programs benefit through prize awards, public engagement, and increased removal efforts against an invasive species.

Who Impacted

Native Everglades wildlife and local ecosystems continue to suffer from predation and competition caused by established populations of invasive Burmese pythons.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 5
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 5
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Who Impacted

Native Everglades wildlife and local ecosystems continue to suffer from predation and competition caused by established populations of invasive Burmese pythons.