Wildlife officials believe the new python population started because of snakes that were released or escaped from captivity

The findings in the study highlight the ecological threat posed by Burmese pythons in Florida, where the invasive snakes have become established throughout much of South Florida after being introduced through the exotic pet trade.

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,

The 2025 Python Challenge removed a record 294 invasive Burmese pythons from Florida ecosystems. The winner, Taylor Stanberry, removed 60 Burmese pythons and took home a $10,000 prize. The 10-day competition had 934 participants from 30 states and Canada.

Snakes on a plain? A Florida pizzeria owner is redefining the term “exotic pet trade” by accepting captured Burmese pythons as payment for a pie. “I’m the first place in the world to accept python as currency,