The 2026 Florida Python Challenge resulted in the removal of 280 invasive Burmese pythons from south Florida, helping protect native wildlife and the Everglades ecosystem. Hosted annually by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the South Florida Water Management District, the challenge combines public participation with science-based invasive species management to reduce one of Florida’s most harmful nonnative predators.
The Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida is proud to partner with FWC to support the Florida Python Challenge. Through sponsor engagement, fundraising, and public awareness, our Foundation helps expand the impact of an event that demonstrates how government agencies, nonprofit organizations, private sponsors, and volunteers can work together to address one of Florida’s most significant conservation challenges.
Over the 10-day competition, 907 participants from 30 states, Canada, and Vietnam removed invasive Burmese pythons from public lands across south Florida. Ultimate Grand Prize winner Tom Rahill, whose nonprofit Swamp Apes mobilizes military veterans and volunteers to remove invasive species and restore public lands, removed an impressive 96 pythons, all from Everglades National Park.
The Florida Python Challenge is more than a competition. It serves as a public education initiative that helps people understand why invasive Burmese pythons threaten Florida’s native wildlife while giving participants a meaningful way to contribute to Everglades conservation.
Burmese pythons are not native to Florida. They prey on birds, mammals, and reptiles throughout the Everglades, disrupting natural food webs and reducing populations of native wildlife. Since 2000, nearly 28,000 wild Burmese pythons have been removed from Florida, and the Florida Python Challenge complements year-round invasive species management efforts by increasing public awareness and encouraging additional python removals.
“The Florida Python Challenge shows what is possible when we all come together around a shared conservation goal,” said Nick Wiley, executive director of the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida. “Each python removed helps conserve the native wildlife that makes the Everglades so extraordinary. We are proud to support this important effort and congratulate this year’s winners and thank all who took part.”
The Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida works alongside FWC to advance conservation initiatives that protect Florida’s fish, wildlife, and natural habitats. The Florida Python Challenge reflects our shared commitment to combating invasive species, conserving biodiversity, and ensuring future generations inherit healthy, resilient ecosystems.
This work would not be possible without the generous sponsors who helped make this year’s Florida Python Challenge possible. We are grateful to INVERSA, Mrs. Daphne and Mr. Martin C. Wood III, Bergeron Everglades Foundation, Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands, The Garcia Companies, Robin Hanes, Geoffrey and Robbie Roepstorff, and Rotary Clubs of Florida for supporting this important conservation effort.
Every invasive Burmese python removed represents another step toward protecting the Everglades and the native fish, birds, mammals, and reptiles that depend on it. Congratulations to every participant, volunteer, partner, and sponsor who helped make the 2026 Florida Python Challenge another successful year for Florida conservation.
Learn more about our Combatting Invasives Fund and how you can support projects that remove invasive species, restore native habitats, and protect Florida’s fish and wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Florida Python Challenge?
The Florida Python Challenge is an annual conservation event hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the South Florida Water Management District. The challenge encourages participants to remove invasive Burmese pythons from south Florida while raising public awareness about invasive species and Everglades conservation.
Why are Burmese pythons a problem in Florida?
Burmese pythons are a nonnative invasive species that prey on birds, mammals, and reptiles throughout the Everglades ecosystem. Because they have few natural predators in Florida and reproduce quickly, they can significantly reduce native wildlife populations and disrupt natural food webs.
How does the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida support the Florida Python Challenge?
The Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida partners with FWC to help make the Florida Python Challenge possible through fundraising, sponsor engagement, and public awareness. The Foundation also supports broader efforts to combat invasive species and conserve Florida’s fish, wildlife, and natural habitats.
How many pythons were removed during the 2026 Florida Python Challenge?
During the 2026 Florida Python Challenge, 907 participants removed 280 invasive Burmese pythons from south Florida. Ultimate Grand Prize winner Tom Rahill removed 96 pythons during the 10-day competition.
How can I help protect Florida from invasive species?
You can support invasive species conservation by learning about Florida’s nonnative wildlife, reporting invasive species when appropriate, participating in approved conservation efforts such as the Florida Python Challenge, and supporting the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida’s Combatting Invasives Fund.
