Native animals can still sometimes gain the upper hand against invasive species.

Invasive Burmese pythons have slithered to a new location in South Florida, establishing a colony outside the previously established core range, according to wildlife officials. Historically, Burmese python populations in South Florida were centered in Everglades National Park in Miami-Dade County,

On July 10, hundreds of professional and amateur snake hunters entered the annual Florida Python Challenge, a 10-day race to remove as many of the invasive animals as possible from the Everglades. The person who bags the most snakes will earn a $10,

Florida has spent decades trying to reduce python numbers through organized removal programs, public hunts, and contractor teams trained to capture the snakes.

The Conservancy’s python tracking team made the first capture of the breeding season with scout snake #118 “Snaquan” in November 2025, removing a 17-foot, 148 lb female python. Conservancy of Southwest Florida Four tons of invasive Burmese pythons ...

Burmese pythons are recognizable by more than their size. Hunters should be on the lookout for a telltale, arrow-shaped marking on the snake’s head, along with giraffe-like spots across its body and dark spots around its eyes. During the summer months, they’re most likely to be found sunning on levee banks or near trees.