Burmese pythons spread beyond the Everglades as Florida's Python Challenge begins, offering $25,000 in prizes.

A Burmese python population has emerged in Southwest Florida, raising fresh concerns about the invasive predator's spread.

More than 200 of the invasive pythons were removed from South Florida during last year's hunt, according to the FWC.

Burmese pythons have been spreading across southern Florida for more than four decades, consuming native mammals at rates that have reshaped entire ecosystems. U.S. Geological Survey occurrence records document the invasion’s geographic expansion from 1979 through 2021,

In addition to the established Burmese python population in South Florida, a new population has been discovered in Charlotte County. The areas in red on this map are considered places where pythons are established.

Last year’s winner was Taylor Stanberry, who removed 60 Burmese pythons in the record-breaking 2025 event

There are many deadly animals in Florida, the Everglades. Facts on dangerous animals in Florida: Alligators, sharks, panthers, snakes, spiders, pythons.

Eating its prey can be a process for a python, which is why it relies so heavily on its jaw to get the job done, including consuming a whole deer.