Annual Burmese python challenge promises $10k prize to whoever kills the most snakes

The Florida Everglades is home to the state’s annual Burmese python challenge, with hundreds of competitors vying for a mammoth prize and aiming to reduce the snake’s population.

Por qué esta historia importa ahora

The annual Burmese python challenge is a 10-day hunting competition that sees competitors take to the Everglades to capture and humanely kill as many Burmese pythons as possible, with the winner receiving $10,000.

El contexto que mueve la conversación

The Burmese python, one of the world’s largest snakes, is an invasive species that threatens local wildlife in Florida. In 2025, nearly a thousand people took part, removing 294 pythons total, with the first female winner, Taylor Stanberry, catching 60.

Qué puede pasar después

According to the competition’s website , to take part, challengers must pay a $25 entry fee, complete an online training course, and pass a test afterward. People of any age can participate, with youths under 18 being allowed to compete as long as they are accompanied by a registered adult.

Lectura rápida para la comunidad

Participants are free to utilize headlamps and flashlights, but will be disqualified if they use a gun, kill a native snake, damage the eggs of a native snake, or fail to humanely kill a snake.

Equally, the use of dogs, traps, drones, bait, motorized tools, smoke, and chemicals is also prohibited and will result in disqualification.

Carcasses must be chilled or frozen before being turned into a check station within 24 hours. Registration to take part is open until the final day of the challenge, which formally ends on July 19.

For more on wildlife, check out our coverage of the snake catcher who found a large python and a giant huntsman spider in the same room , or the toddler who was thrown into a crocodile pit and bitten .