One of Florida’s most anticipated events of the year is almost here.
The Florida Python Challenge is a 10-day competition encouraging participants to remove Burmese pythons from eight Commission-managed lands in South Florida. It will run from 12:01 a.m. on July 11 to 5 p.m. on July 20 across eight competition locations.
According to FWC, the event raises public awareness about invasive species in Florida, like Burmese pythons, that threaten the Everglades ecosystem.
But how well do you really know these snakes? Here are some photo galleries to help you get up close to them … well, at least as close as most of us actually want to be.
What do Burmese pythons look like?
Burmese pythons are tan with dark blotches along the back and sides. The blotches look like puzzle pieces or the markings on a giraffe. They have a pyramid-shaped head with a dark, arrowhead-shaped wedge extending toward the nose.
They are one of the largest snakes in the world. Adult Burmese pythons caught in Florida average between 6 and 9 feet, and the largest one captured in Florida measured 19 feet.
See Burmese pythons caught during the Python Challenges
Largest Burmese python caught in Naples, Florida
Dusty “Wildman” Crum of Myakka City captures a Burmese python
SWFL experts talk Burmese python removal
What does a bite from a Burmese python look like?
Do Burmese pythons look similar to ball pythons?
One could easily mix up a ball python and a smaller Burmese python at a glance. Upon a closer look, these two snakes have more differences than one might think.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, ball pythons have light tan markings on a dark background. Their blotches are rounded and resemble dumbbells or alien heads.
Due to their popularity as pets, they have also been bred to exhibit many colors and patterns. Dozens of different ball python morphs exist today.
Where are Burmese pythons found in Florida?
According to the FWC, Burmese pythons are currently considered established from just south of Lake Okeechobee to Key Largo and from western Broward County west to Collier County. Some pythons have been found in Southwest Florida in Naples and near Lake Okeechobee.
They are not protected in Florida except by anti-cruelty law and can be humanely killed on private property with the landowner’s permission. They can also be captured and humanely killed all year without a permit or hunting license on 32 commission-managed lands in South Florida.
How to register for the 2025 Florida Python Challenge
To register as a novice or professional, potential participants must first read the rules and take a free, required online training and pass a quiz with at least 85%. Those under 18 must have a parent or guardian complete their registration and be accompanied by a registered adult during the competition.
The cost to register is $25 and is not refundable.
Participants can win money prizes in several categories, including a $10,000 Ultimate Grand Prize.
Fast facts about Burmese pythons in Florida
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Would you recognize a Burmese python if you saw one? Here are some amazing photos
Reporting by Samantha Neely and Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Naples Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
