Python Challenge

The Python Challenge helps raise awareness about the harm invasive species cause in South Florida.

Attack ads have always been part of politics. But with artificial intelligence, a new front has opened in the battle for votes. On top of that, Silicon Valley is pouring megabucks into Florida campaigns.

Tom Rahill won the $10,000 first prize for capturing 96 pythons from Everglades National Park.

It’s time for the Florida Python Challenge, when novices and pros traipse the Everglades to hunt for the invasive species. Last year's winner talks about what goes on during the event.

Registration is open for the 2026 Florida Python Challenge, a 10-day competition that offers participants a shot at $25,000 in prizes for removing invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades. The event runs from July 10 through July 19.

DeSantis spoke behind a sign that said, "Python be gone," at the Hungryland Wildlife and Environmental Area, where three people near the governor wrestled holding a large, live python.

It’s the latest effort by the South Florida Water Management District to eliminate as many pythons are possible from the Everglades, where they are decimating native species.

For the first three days of the Florida Python Hunt, people can learn how to catch the invasive Burmese python. Officials say, since the snake is so elusive, this could be the only chance for many to actually hold the snake.

The annual event to combat the invasive Burmese python begins Friday in multiple locations, including the Everglades where it is most prevalent.

Amy Siewe, who is well known in South Florida’s python-hunting community, is pioneering new territory in the wildlife guiding business, leading adventurous visitors on excursions to find the invasive constrictors that have overrun the Everglades.

Ronald Kiger will take home $10,000. The challenge was set up to allow hunters to humanely kill and remove the invasive snakes from the designated competition areas during a 10-day period.

The retired U.S. Army veteran divides his time between North Carolina, the Florida Panhandle and Homestead, Florida, where he keeps a recreational vehicle.