Florida Python Challenge
Coverage of Florida Python Challenge in the Nexus archive.
- FWC announces winners of annual 10-day python challenge
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced Tom Rahill as the Grand Prize winner of the 2026 Florida Python Challenge, awarded $10,000 for removing 96 Burmese pythons. Over 900 participants from 30 states and countries removed 280 invasive pythons during the 10-day event aimed at protecting Florida’s ecosystem.
- Pizza for pythons: Florida restaurant owner gives away free pies in exchange for dead snakes
A Florida restaurant owner offers free pizza in exchange for dead pythons, inspired by the Florida Python Challenge. The owner, described as a 'swampeprenuer,' uses the promotion to address the python issue in the state.
- Florida Python Challenge begins with hands-on training for snake hunters
The 2026 Florida Python Challenge began with a training session for participants in west Broward County, where attendees learned to capture Burmese pythons in the Everglades. Aspiring hunters, including Sarah Gonzalez, practiced handling live pythons under expert supervision, with the competition offering cash prizes to those removing the most snakes. The event aims to reduce the invasive species' ecological impact while raising awareness.
- Python captures by Florida scientists overshadowed by hoopla over annual amateur contest
Florida scientists from the Conservancy of Southwest Florida captured 177 pythons weighing 8,080 pounds, surpassing last year's total, while the Florida Python Challenge, an annual amateur contest, drew 934 participants who caught 294 pythons. The article highlights the contrast between the scientists' impactful but low-profile work and the media-saturated event, which offers cash prizes and documentaries.