The hunt is on!
Hunters are scouring the Florida Everglades in search of the state’s most destructive invasive species for the 2026 Florida Python Challenge, which began just after midnight on July 10.
The annual python hunting competition runs through Sunday, July 19, and a hefty grand prize awaits the participant who removes the most snakes.
However, hunting must take place in the challenge’s approved locations and the snakes found must killed humanely. The required training shows participants how to identify Burmese pythons, as well as safe handling and humane killing methods.
Although Burmese pythons are not protected in Florida, anti-cruelty laws still apply to the competition.
Here’s what to know.
What is the Florida Python Challenge?
The Florida Python Challenge is an annual python removal competition held to increase awareness of the invasive species that threatens local wildlife in the Everglades and keep the population down.
The 10-day event takes place in eight FWC-managed areas in South Florida. The pythons must be humanely killed, and hunters may not use firearms, traps, or bait.
When is the Florida Python Challenge?
The Florida Python Challenge runs from 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 10, 2026, to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 19, 2026.
2026 Florida Python Challenge is underway. See hunters scour Everglades
Where are the approved challenge areas?
The competition locations include:
How much is the 2026 Florida Python Challenge prize?
Prizes are awarded for the most pythons removed and the longest python removed in different categories such as professionals, novices, and the military.
In the Novice, Military and Professional categories:
As stated on the Florida Python Challenge website, “participants may only win one prize. If an individual is eligible for more than one prize, they will be awarded the prize of the highest value and the next qualifying participant in place for that category will be awarded the remaining prize.”
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: The Florida Python Challenge is underway. See hunters scour Everglades
Reporting by Ashley Ferrer, C. A. Bridges and Crystal Vander Weit, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Treasure Coast Newspapers
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Ashley Ferrer, C. A. Bridges and Crystal Vander Weit, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida | USA TODAY Network
