Reporter: Bridget Bruchalski
•8/5/2026
EVERGLADES, Fla. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said Florida’s Python Challenge has become one of its biggest tools for raising awareness about invasive species, engaging the public in hands-on conservation, and removing hundreds of Burmese pythons from the Everglades every year.
The event is hosted by FWC, South Florida Water Management District, National Park Service and other partners.
This year, 907 people from 30 states, Canada and Vietnam competed during the 10-day challenge. They removed 280 pythons, including 96 by the grand prize winner, Tom Rayhill, who won $10,000.
FWC said more than 28,000 pythons have been removed from Florida since 2000, but officials stress there is still no "silver bullet" to solve the invasive species problem. Python Challenge participants have removed more than 1,400 pythons over the years.
FWC contractors have removed more than 19,000 pythons since the contractor program began in 2017. FWC says pythons remain a major threat to the Everglades.
Agencies continue to test new technology, partnerships and incentives to improve python detection. The competition is held during the summer hatching season.
Since 2024, the Python Challenge has generated nearly 10,000 global media placements. FWC says that exposure has helped spread awareness of invasive species worldwide.
Rayhill said one of his goals was to help a veteran catch a 17-foot female python.
"One of my goals was helping a veteran catch a 17-foot female python," Rayhill said.
Rayhill also spoke about using python hunts to help veterans find peace and purpose in the Everglades. He revealed he has had two hip replacements in the last nine months, but still competed.
