The state of Florida has launched an interesting challenge for its citizens: the Florida Python Challenge 2025, offering juicy cash prizes of up to $10,000 for those who capture the most Burmese pythons this season. These snakes are considered invasive in the United States because they are not endemic to the country.
The call for entries has been open for just a few days, and registration for the contest began last Thursday, May 15th. However, the competition will begin in mid-June during the summer and rainy season, an environment where these snakes thrive.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FCW), since pythons are not endemic to the United States, they pose a threat to the country’s native wildlife. Therefore, they offer an attractive reward for participants who capture the most, as well as the longest and largest snakes.
The Florida Python Challenge 2025 will take place this year near the Everglades National Park nature reserve, near Miami, from July 11 to July 20. Prizes are awarded in the amount of $25,000, of which two will receive a $10,000 prize—for those who capture the most—and five prizes of 1,000 pesos.
To participate in the Florida Python Challenge 2025, it is important to register through the following link. Participants will receive a QR code to enter the hunting areas in Everglades National Park.
The FCW also reiterated the importance of participants following the rules and having the necessary equipment to participate. Participants will be offered a training course prior to the competitions, including the prohibition of firearms for snake capture, although the use of vehicles for searches will be permitted.
Pythons may only be captured with the following tools:
Snake hooks
Snake tongs
Snake bags
Lasso sticks
Long-handled, non-motorized tools for hand capture
