Hunters working across the Florida Everglades removed a record four tons of invasive Burmese pythons in a single coordinated effort, a haul that reflects both the staggering scale of the infestation and the expanding reach of state and federal removal programs.

Burmese pythons spread beyond the Everglades as Florida's Python Challenge begins, offering $25,000 in prizes.

Florida's Python Challenge is an annual event encouraging people to hunt Burmese Pythons, a reptile species invasive to Florida's ecosystem.

The Florida Python Challenge begins July 10 and gives participants the opportunity to remove invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades while raising awareness about the threat posed by the non-native species.

Eric Suarez, research program coordinator for University of Florida Croc Docs, holds a female python during a research trip to collect python eggs on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from a nest the scientists have been tracking in the Everglades outside of Weston.

Southwest Florida has become a new breeding ground for Burmese pythons.