Updated 2026 — the Florida Python Challenge™ is an ongoing FWC program, not a one-off 2013 event.
Invasive Burmese pythons remain a serious pressure on the Everglades food web. The Florida Python Challenge™, hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) with partners such as the South Florida Water Management District, continues as a public awareness and removal competition in designated south Florida locations.
What the Challenge is (and is not)
It is a registered, rules-based event with required online training and a quiz. It is not a casual weekend snake hunt on random public land. Participants must follow FWC rules, location lists, and humane-removal guidelines. Always use official sources — not social-media rumors — before planning anything.
2026 snapshot (completed)
Per FWC announcements, the 2026 competition ran roughly July 10–19, 2026, with hundreds of registered participants and hundreds of pythons removed during the event window. Prize categories and partner locations (including Everglades National Park in recent years) are published by FWC and on FLPythonChallenge.org.
We are not reprinting prize amounts or next year’s calendar here as if they were permanent — they change. Check the official site for the current registration window, fees, training, and maps.
Year-round context for locals
FWC also discusses year-round removal pathways (including contractor programs). Regular folks should still treat wild pythons as a professional/conservation issue: do not improvise captures, and report sightings through official FWC channels when appropriate.
- Official hub: FLPythonChallenge.org
- FWC newsroom for results and registration notices: MyFWC.com
Exploring Everglades-edge outdoors the responsible way? Start with our locals’ things-to-do guide and give wildlife space.
Program existence verified via FWC / FLPythonChallenge.org materials around the 2026 event cycle. Always confirm live rules before participating.