2025 Python Challenge – Burmese Pythons — Courtesy: Shutterstock — Heiko Kiera
As part of a larger conservation initiative to save the Everglades from invasive Burmese pythons, Florida wildlife officials have announced the dates for the 2025 Florida Python Challenge.
The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) hosted the announcement at the S-356 Pump Station off U.S. Highway 41, just west of Krome Avenue close to Homestead.
The Everglades’ environment is suffering greatly as a result of the invading python species. To try to address that issue, the South Florida Management District (SFWMD) and we have a number of programs in place. According to Tom Reinert, regional director of FWC, this is one tool in that toolkit.
In addition to a live demonstration by a biologist demonstrating the safe capture of a Burmese python—the big, invasive constrictors that have caused major ecological harm throughout South Florida—the event featured conversations with state specialists on nonnative fish and wildlife.
July marks the start of the 2025 Florida Python Challenge.
Starting at 12:01 a.m. on July 11 and ending at 5 p.m. on July 20, the 10-day Python Removal Competition is being held this year. Anyone who wants to participate can sign up here.
The eight competition locations have unique region laws that participants must abide by.
The Python Challenge seeks to eradicate invasive snakes and increase awareness.
Now held annually, the Florida Python Challenge consists of a 10-day competition in which participants try to catch and remove Burmese pythons from public lands, as well as public education.
“The natural food chain is being destroyed by the python, an animal that can grow up to 20 feet long and weigh 200 pounds. We launched the Python Challenge under the direction of the FWC,” stated Ron Bergeron, a member of the SFWMD governing board.
According to state officials, the objective is twofold: lessen the effects of the invasive species and increase public awareness of the danger these creatures represent to native wildlife in the Greater Everglades ecosystem.
“Catching pythons is only one aspect of the Python Challenge. Part of it is that. “The goal is to educate the public so that all of the groups that recreate in the Everglades know how to safely remove a python at any time of year,” Bergeron stated.
According to Florida officials, the contest is essential to maintaining the state’s natural variety and empowering citizens to take an active part in environmental conservation.
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