The Florida Python Challenge 2026 has concluded after a 10-day period of python hunting in the Everglades. The competition, which aimed to bring awareness to the ecological disaster caused by the invasive python population in South Florida, saw thousands of hunters descend upon the back roads and levees of the Everglades.
The event, managed by the Florida Wildlife Commission on behalf of the governor, took place from late July into early August, with hunters searching for the invasive snakes in the hot and humid conditions of the Everglades. According to one participant, approximately 5% of the hunters accounted for 90% of the pythons captured, with many others going home empty-handed but with a newfound appreciation for the level of destruction caused by the invasive species. The participant, who remained anonymous, reported laying eyes on zero mammalian life during 11 nights of hunting.
The competition results will not be released for a couple of months, but rumors are circulating about some large python catches, including a hunter who reportedly turned in 34 hatchling pythons and others who caught pythons measuring 17 ½’ and 16+ feet. The participant who contributed to this article reported catching four pythons, enough to keep them in the top 5% of successful hunters, but not enough to secure a win.
Despite the challenging conditions, the participant expressed gratitude for the experience and the opportunity to raise awareness about the issue. They also thanked their daily team of volunteers who assisted them during the event.
Originally reported by Hernando Sun
Sources: Hernando Sun
