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Florida Opens Registration for 2026 Python Challenge Running July 10–19

The competition mobilizes residents to remove invasive Burmese pythons to protect Everglades wildlife.

Overview

  • Registration, which opened Tuesday, stays open through July 19 for the 10-day hunt set for July 10–19.
  • Competitors will vie for $25,000 in prizes, including $10,000 for the participant who removes the most snakes.
  • All entrants must finish the 2026 online training course because prior-year training does not count.
  • The effort is backed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission with partners at the South Florida Water Management District, Everglades National Park and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Foundation, with support from the governor.
  • Outside the contest, removals continue year-round on 32 state-managed areas, and landowners may allow humane kills on private property without a state permit or hunting license.