CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (WWSB) – Burmese pythons, the invasive snakes that can grow up to 20 feet long, are expanding into new parts of Florida, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Established colonies have moved north into Charlotte County, beyond the swampy Everglades where the species has long been present.
2026 Florida Python Challenge now open
Local Python Hunter discusses the invasive species
Florida holds yearly state challenges to manage the growing python population, with hunters eligible to win up to $10,000 for catching the snakes.
This year’s hunt ran July 10–19. As of this report, no winner has been announced.
Last year’s winner captured 60 snakes to claim the top prize.
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