A record-breaking 294 invasive Burmese pythons were removed from the Everglades ecosystem during the 2025 Florida Python Challenge™, marking the largest number of pythons ever captured as part of the annual competition.
DID YOU KNOW: Burmese pythons are one of the most harmful invasive species in the Everglades.
WHY IT MATTERS: Every python that is removed is making a difference to protect the Everglades and South Florida’s native wildlife.
These invasive snakes threaten our native ecosystem by preying upon the native wildlife that lives there, including wading birds and mammals. Their aggressive predation robs panthers, raptors, bobcats, and other native predators of their primary food sources.
COMBATING INVASIVE PYTHONS: The 2025 Florida Python Challenge™ took place in July, providing 934 participants from 30 states and Canada a firsthand opportunity to join the effort to remove invasive pythons from the South Florida landscape.
The annual ten-day competition is hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the South Florida Water Management District (District). This year's event included the exciting addition of Everglades National Park as one of eight official competition locations.
ANOTHER HUGE S-S-S-SUCCESS: The results of this year’s python challenge are in! This year’s winners include:
🏆 Ultimate Grand Prize – Taylor Stanberry for removing 60 pythons!
🏆 Longest Python, Novice (15 feet, 11 inches) – Michael Marousky
🏆 Longest Python, Professional (9 feet, 8 inches) – Kennith Chamberland
🏆 Longest Python, Military (11 feet, 2 inches) – Jonathan Miller
🏆 Most Pythons, Novice (14) – Krista Hoekstra
🏆 Most Pythons, Professional (56) – Donna Kalil
🏆 Most Pythons, Military (5) – John Southworth
PROTECTING NATIVE WILDLIFE AND ECOSYSTEMS: The District continues to expedite Everglades restoration efforts and we will continue working to protect South Florida’s natural resources and combat invasive species like Burmese pythons.
If you missed out on this year’s Python Challenge, you can still get involved. Visit SFWMD.gov/PythonProgram to learn more.