Florida Python Challenge™ in Everglades National Park

2026 Florida Python Challenge™

 

Burmese pythons are an invasive species in Everglades National Park

NPS Photo by Brandon Cintron Gerena

Welcome to Everglades National Park's participation in the 2026 Florida Python Challenge™, a vital initiative aimed at addressing the ecological threats posed by invasive Burmese pythons.

Through participation in the Florida Python Challenge™, Everglades National Park aims to raise awareness about invasive species, support community involvement, and help protect the biodiversity of the Greater Everglades ecosystem.

The Florida Python Challenge™ python removal competition occurs from 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 10, 2026, to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, July 19, 2026.

How to Participate in Everglades National Park:

1. Individuals interested in removing pythons from Everglades National Park (ENP) must first officially register for the event through the Florida Python Challenge™ website.

2. After official registration and prior to the first in-park orientation, all individuals wishing to search for pythyons in ENP must:

• Read the Florida Python Challenge™: Everglades National Park Rules and Regulations which may differ from those in other Florida Python Challenge™ locations.
• Watch the required Florida Python Challenge™: Everglades National Park Orientation Video. (2026 Video coming soon!)
• Understand that participants registered as 'novice' will be serving as a National Park Service Public Python Agent (Agent) for the duration of the Florida Python Challenge™ only. This designation does not apply to paid contractors and subcontractors who must adhere to their contract requirements during their competition.

3. As an Agent, you must attend a one-time orientation on your first day of participation in Everglades National Park. Orientation must be completed at an Agent Authorized Station (locations below). At this orientation, you will sign an acknowledgement form certifying that you have read the Florida Python Challenge: Everglades National Park Rules and Regulations, watched the Florida Python Challenge™: Everglades National Park Orientation Video (2026 Video coming soon!), and agree to serve as an Agent for the duration of the Florida Python Challenge™ only. During this time, Agents will also be provided an identification badge, maps, and other relvant materials. After initial orientation, Agents are required to digitally sign in and sign out when enter entering and leaving ENP using provided QR codes.

 

In addition to officially registering, those wishing to catch pythons in Everglades National Park must attend a one-time orientation on the first day of participation in the park.

NPS photo by Brandon Cintron Gerena

Agent Authorization Stations

Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center

Coordinates: 25.395301, -80.583314
Dates: July 9 through July 18
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Shark Valley Visitor Center

Coordinates: 25.756944, -80.765455
Dates: July 9 through July 18
Hours: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

Authorized Agents can search Main Park Road from July 10 at 12:01 a.m. to July 19 at 5:00 p.m.

NPS photo by Caitlin Rivas

Approved Park Search Locations

Main Park Road

Location: Main Park Road and connecting paved roadways, Homestead Entrance
Search Method: Motor vehicle, bicycle, and on foot
From: July 10 at 12:01 a.m.
To: July 19 at 5:00 p.m.
Note: Main Park Road is open 24 hours a day.

Shark Valley Tram Road

Location: Shark Valley Tram Road, Miami Entrance
Search Method: Bicycle and on foot
Times:

• July 10 from 12:01 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.
• Daily from July 10 to July 19 from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

Note: Shark Valley Tram Road cannot be surveyed on July 19 after 5:00 p.m.

L-67 Extension Levee

Location: L-67 Extension Levee
Search Method: Bicycle, and on foot
From: July 10 at 12:01 a.m.
To: July 19 at 5:00 p.m.
Note: Search location is available 24 hours a day.

**Please use the Florida Python Challenge Virtual Maps available on the ArcGIS app for areas in the park that cannot be searched.**

 

For questions about the Florida Python Challenge™ in Everglades National Park, contact us at [e-mail].
For any other questions about the Florida Python Challenge™, to include media requests, email: [e-mail].