For those tracking the calendar for the 2026 Florida Python Challenge, the wait for official dates ends today. State wildlife officials are set to gather Tuesday, May 19, at the S-356 Pump Station in Homestead to formally announce the schedule for this year’s high-stakes removal event. As the state continues its efforts to curb the spread of one of the most destructive invasive species in the Everglades, the annual competition remains the most visible, and perhaps most intense, effort to manage the population of the Burmese python.
Often described as the Super Bowl for professional and amateur snake hunters alike, the Florida Python Challenge brings together hundreds of participants from across the United States, and beyond. The 10-day event is a critical component of the broader strategy employed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) to protect native wildlife from a predator that has no natural enemies in the Florida ecosystem.
Understanding the Impact of the Python Challenge
The Burmese python has fundamentally altered the landscape of the Florida Everglades. By preying on native mammals—including raccoons, opossums, bobcats, and various marsh rabbits—the snakes have caused a significant decline in biodiversity throughout the region. Scientific research has documented the severity of the threat, with some studies noting that these pythons are capable of consuming prey nearly 70 percent of their own mass, including large animals like white-tailed deer. Because the snakes are notoriously difficult to track due to their cryptic coloration and secretive behavior, conservationists acknowledge that complete eradication is unlikely. Instead, the focus remains on population control and preventing further expansion into new territories.
Since the competition was inaugurated in 2013, it has grown from a niche environmental initiative into a massive annual event. Participation numbers have seen a steady climb, reflecting both public interest and the growing concern over the ecological damage caused by the species. In 2025, the challenge saw a record-breaking 934 registered participants, representing 30 states and two countries, all vying to assist in the removal of the invasive reptiles.
Looking Back: The 2025 Results
The 2025 iteration of the challenge proved to be the most successful in the event’s history, resulting in the removal of 294 pythons. The competition is structured to reward both quantity and skill, featuring categories for professionals and novices, as well as specific recognitions for military veterans and active-duty personnel. Taylor Stanberry made history in 2025 as the first woman to secure the grand prize, having successfully removed 60 pythons during the 10-day window, earning a $10,000 reward for her efforts.
| Category | Winner | Result | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Prize | Taylor Stanberry | 60 Pythons | $10,000 |
| Professional Winner | Donna Kalil | 56 Pythons | $2,500 |
| Novice (Most Pythons) | Krista Hoekstra | 14 Pythons | $2,500 |
| Military (Most Pythons) | John Southworth | 5 Pythons | $2,500 |
Rules, Regulations, and Humane Removal
While the competition encourages public participation, it is governed by strict regulations to ensure both safety and humane treatment of the animals. Participants must register through the official Florida Python Challenge website and complete mandatory online training before they are permitted to enter the designated competition areas. The event takes place across eight specific FWC-managed locations, including the Everglades and Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area, Big Cypress, and, as of 2025, the Everglades National Park.
A crucial aspect of the competition is the prohibition of firearms. Hunters must rely on manual capture techniques and adhere to strict humane killing protocols. The FWC requires that any python caught must be humanely euthanized at the site of capture, following a two-step process: first, the hunter must target the brain to induce immediate unconsciousness, and second, they must perform “pithing” to ensure the brain is destroyed and the animal cannot regain consciousness. Transporting live pythons is strictly prohibited under state law.
What to Do If You Encounter a Python
Beyond the 10-day challenge, the FWC maintains a year-round reporting system for those who encounter Burmese pythons. Because the snakes are elusive, citizen reports are vital for land managers to track the species’ movement. If you spot a python, you are encouraged to take a photograph, note the specific location, and report it through one of the following official channels:
- Submit a report online at IveGot1.org.
- Call the Exotic Species Hotline at 888-483-4681.
- Use the official IveGot1 mobile app for real-time reporting.
As of May 2026, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission continues to emphasize that while the challenge is a valuable tool for public awareness and population management, the fight against invasive Burmese pythons is a long-term commitment. Following the announcement of the 2026 dates, the next official milestone for potential participants will be the opening of the registration portal and the availability of the updated training modules.
This report is provided for informational purposes based on the latest available data from state wildlife agencies. We invite our readers to share their thoughts on the effectiveness of these removal efforts or their experiences participating in past challenges in the comments section below.
