Florida Python Challenge Winner Kills 96 Invasive Snakes 2026

The Florida Python Challenge winner killed 96 invasive Burmese pythons in the Everglades, setting a new benchmark for this annual conservation event. This record-breaking effort highlights the growing threat of these apex predators to Florida's native wildlife and the importance of public participation in invasive species control.

What Is the Florida Python Challenge?

The Florida Python Challenge is an annual 10-day competition hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the South Florida Water Management District, and the National Park Service. Participants are invited to capture and humanely euthanize as many Burmese pythons as possible across eight designated hunting locations in the Everglades ecosystem.

In 2025, the challenge drew 907 participants from 30 U.S. states, plus Canada and Vietnam, collectively removing 280 pythons during the event. Before the competition began, over 1,400 pythons had already been removed this year, showing the scale of the ongoing effort.

Winner’s Strategy and Background

Tom Rahill, the winner, is a professional python hunter and founder of SwampApes, a nonprofit that takes veterans suffering from PTSD on python hunts in Florida’s wetlands. Rahill told an FWC meeting, “I was on a mission to get one of our veterans a big snake. I did it. And we wrestled this thing… The veteran was just over the moon.” After that success, he went deeper into the Everglades and found 96 snakes over the 10-day period.

Rahill’s approach combines skill, endurance, and a deep understanding of python behavior. He targets areas with high python density, often using spotlighting at night and checking known burrows. His victory earned him a $10,000 cash prize.

Why Are Burmese Pythons a Problem?

Burmese pythons are native to Southeast Asia and were first discovered in the Everglades in the 1990s, likely released by pet owners. They have since become one of the most destructive invasive species in the region, consuming native mammals, birds, and reptiles, and causing significant declines in populations of raccoons, opossums, and bobcats.

These snakes are incredibly hard to detect due to their camouflage and secretive nature, allowing their population to balloon to tens of thousands, according to conservative estimates. Their presence disrupts the ecological balance of the Everglades, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Comparison of Removal Methods

Key Takeaways from the 2025 Challenge

• The winning total of 96 pythons is one of the highest ever recorded in the challenge’s history.
• Over 280 pythons were removed during the 10-day event, contributing to the yearly total of over 1,600.
• The longest python killed measured 16 feet 5 inches, caught by Rahm Levinson, who won $1,000.
• Participants came from across the U.S., Canada, and Vietnam, showing global interest in invasive species control.
• The event also supports veteran mental health through organizations like SwampApes.

How to Participate in Future Challenges

If you’re interested in joining the Florida Python Challenge, you must complete a free online training course and pass a test. The FWC provides guidelines on humane euthanasia and safe handling. Registration typically opens months before the event, which is held every August.

Even if you don’t hunt, you can help by reporting python sightings to the FWC’s invasive species hotline. Public awareness and participation are crucial to controlling this invasive species and protecting the Everglades’ unique biodiversity.

Conclusion

The 2025 Florida Python Challenge demonstrated the power of community-driven conservation. Tom Rahill’s record-breaking catch of 96 pythons is a testament to the dedication of hunters and the urgency of the problem. With continued efforts and public support, the Everglades can be restored to a healthier balance.

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