Largest Burmese Snakes Caught in Everglades

The Florida Python Challenge will run from August 9 to 18. Participants will have nine days to kill as many Burmese pythons as possible.

Burmese pythons are an invasive species that pose a threat to Everglades wildlife. Florida pays hunters each year to catch these snakes. The contest helps protect the Everglades habitat and all its native animals by eliminating invasive Burmese pythons. State-licensed hunters can win up to $25,000 this year.

Last year, 209 snakes were captured in the Florida Python Challenge. The prize was $10,000.

A 2012 study suggested that in Everglades National Park, pythons were responsible for an 85 to 100 percent decline in the population of medium-sized animals such as raccoons and rabbits.

Prizes will be awarded for the longest or most numerous snakes captured. To register for the Florida Python Challenge, visit FLPythonChallenge.org.

Here are some of the largest Burmese pythons captured during the Florida Python Challenge’s annual Everglades hunt.

What is the Florida Python Challenge?

The Florida Python Challenge is a python elimination competition that takes place in August. Participants have nine days to kill as many Burmese pythons as possible. The 2024 python elimination competition begins at 12:01 a.m. on August 9 and ends at 5 p.m. on August 18. The competition helps protect the Everglades habitat and all its native animals by eliminating invasive Burmese pythons.

Can you use a gun to kill a python in the Florida Python Challenge?

Participants are not permitted to use firearms to kill pythons during the Florida Python Challenge, as there is no established shooting season at the competition venues during the time period. Novices must humanely kill captured pythons immediately after catching them. Air pistols and captive bolt pistols may be used to kill pythons at any time of the day or night.

Learn more about the rules: Can You Use a Gun to Kill a Python in the Florida Python Challenge? Here Are the Rules

Laura Lordi is a digital editor at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at [email protected].