May 19, 2025 - News

What to know about Florida's python hunting contest with a $10K prize

Yacob Reyes

A banner for the Florida Python Challenge. — Photo: Courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Registration is now open for The Florida Python Challenge, the annual competition where participants scour the Everglades to hunt down its most infamous intruders: the Burmese pythons.

Why it matters: The invasive species preys on nearly every mammal in the Everglades, and faces few predators apart from humans.

The competition aims to raise awareness about the threat Burmese pythons pose to Florida's ecosystem.

What to know: The Florida Python Challenge runs from July 11 to July 20. You must register before then to participate. Group members must each register as individuals and submit the $25.00 fee.

Before signing up, participants must review the rules, complete the free online course, and pass the quiz with a score of 85 or higher.

The big picture: Whoever removes the most pythons will win $10,000.

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What to know about Florida's python hunting contest with a $10K prize

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