Florida Python Challenge Crowns Grand Prize Winner for 2026 Season
The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission announced the winners of the 2026 Florida Python Challenge. The grand prize winner successfully captured 96 Burmese pythons and received a $10,000 reward.
Orlando Daytona Beach Melbourne, FL, August 5, 2026 —
The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has announced the successful conclusion of the 2026 Florida Python Challenge, recognizing the efforts of participants in removing invasive Burmese pythons from the state’s ecosystem. The grand prize for the competition was awarded to a participant who demonstrated exceptional success in the capture effort.
This year’s grand prize winner was credited with capturing a remarkable total of 96 Burmese pythons. In recognition of this significant achievement and contribution to python removal efforts, the winner received a $10,000 reward.
The Florida Python Challenge is an annual event organized by the FWC aimed at engaging the public in the crucial task of managing the invasive python population in South Florida. Burmese pythons are a significant threat to the native wildlife and the ecological balance of the Everglades and surrounding areas. These large constrictors prey on a wide range of native animals, disrupting the food web and impacting biodiversity.
Participants in the challenge, which spans a designated period, are encouraged to safely and humanely capture and report Burmese pythons found in specific areas. The competition often includes different categories for awards, such as longest python caught and the total number of pythons captured. This year’s focus on the grand prize highlights the most prolific python hunter.
The FWC utilizes the Python Challenge as a tool not only for python removal but also for raising public awareness about invasive species and the importance of conservation efforts in Florida. Data collected from the challenge also aids researchers in understanding python distribution and behavior.
Details regarding other winners or specific capture locations for the 2026 challenge were not immediately available. The FWC typically provides further information on the overall impact of the event and the numbers of pythons removed by all participants following the conclusion of the competition period.
Story summarized from the original created by Josh.Frigerio@fox.com (Josh Frigerio) on www.fox35orlando.com, see more information here.
