Florida biologists have removed a record 20 tons of invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades region over a decade, including a single-season record haul. This marks significant progress in the state's 25-year effort to control the python population, which has decimated native mammal populations. Strategies include tracking male "scout" snakes to find breeding females, public python elimination programs, and annual python challenges.
Florida removes record haul of invasive pythons in effort to curb population
FloridaSnakesUnited StatesAnimalsEnvironmentWildlife
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Florida biologists have removed a record 20 tons of invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades region over a decade, including a single-season record haul. This marks significant progress in the state's 25-year effort to control the python population, which has decimated native mammal populations. Strategies include tracking male "scout" snakes to find breeding females, public python elimination programs, and annual python challenges.
Trending- 1 1990s: A handful of pythons believed to have been dumped by pet owners.
- 2 25 years ago (from 2025): Florida's "war" on pythons began.
- 3 2013: Conservancy of Southwest Florida began its python removal work.
- 4 Over the last decade (from 2025): 20 tons of pythons removed.
- 5 Since November (unspecified year, likely 2024): 6,300lb removed by Conservancy team.
- 6 2024: Florida Python Challenge had 895 participants who captured 195 snakes.
- 7 Next month (July 2025): Florida Python Challenge.
- Significant reduction in python population in certain areas
- potential for restoration of native animal populations (deer, foxes, possums, raccoons)
- Continued financial investment in removal programs
What: Biologists in Florida have removed a record amount of invasive Burmese pythons, including 20 tons over a decade and a single-season record haul, as part of ongoing efforts to control their population and protect native wildlife.
When: Over the last decade (20 tons removed). Since November (6,300lb removed by Conservancy team). Since 2013 (Conservancy began work). 2024 (Python Challenge). Article published June 16, 2025.
Where: Florida, specifically the Everglades region, south Florida, and southwest Florida (200 sq mile area).
Why: Burmese pythons are an invasive species that have caused a calamitous decline in the Everglades' native mammal population. They reproduce rapidly.
How: Biologists use radio telemetry to track male "scout" snakes to find and remove breeding females. The South Florida Water Management District contracts freelance "removal agents." Public engagement is fostered through the Florida Python Challenge and educational efforts. Physical removal and euthanasia of snakes.