Florida Python Challenge Raises Awareness About the Importance of Combating Invasive Species

Invasive Burmese pythons hold a top position on the food chain since making their way into America's Everglades. These apex predators possess an insatiable appetite that can rob native wildlife such as panthers, birds of prey, and alligators of their primary food source.

Did you know the 2022 Florida Python Challenge® continues to advance efforts to remove invasive pythons and raise awareness about the threat they pose to our one-of-a-kind Greater Everglades Ecosystem?

The annual challenge, which took place from Aug. 5-14, is a partnership between the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). In addition to the competition, the challenge also serves as a platform to share information about the damage pythons cause, encourage the public to continually remove these invasive snakes, and highlight the importance of responsible pet ownership so non-native species such as Burmese pythons are not released into the wild.

More than 10,000 pythons have been removed since the SFWMD and FWC teamed up to combat harmful pythons and eliminate them from South Florida. The python challenge furthers the agencies' efforts to remove as many pythons as possible from across the landscape.

The results of the 2022 Florida Python Challenge® will be announced soon. Stay tuned for updates on this important initiative and conservation effort.

Learn more about the importance of removing invasive pythons from the Everglades and protecting South Florida's native species.