TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced the final results and winners of the 2024 Florida Python Challenge.
There were 857 participants from 33 states and Canada to help support the Everglades conservation by removing 195 invasive Burmese pythons from South Florida.
The 2024 Florida Python Challenge winners were announced at the FWC’s Commission Meeting in Duck Key.
Burmese pythons are not native to Florida and negatively impact native species.
The FWC said since 2000, more than 22,000 Burmese pythons have been removed from Florida.
Pygmy rattlesnake The pygmy rattlesnake, which is also known as the ground rattler, is found in every county in Florida. (Steve A. Johnson, U.S. Geological Survey)
Pygmy rattlesnake The pygmy rattlesnake, which is also known as the ground rattler, is found in every county in Florida. (Todd Pierson)
Pygmy rattlesnake The pygmy rattlesnake, which is also known as the ground rattler, is found in every county in Florida. (Todd Pierson)
Cottonmouth Cottonmouth snakes are found in every Florida county. (Steve A. Johnson, University of Florida)
Cottonmouth Cottonmouth snakes are found in every Florida county. (Todd Pierson)
Cottonmouth Cottonmouth snakes are found in every Florida county. (Todd Pierson)
Juvenile cottonmouth This species loves water and can be found along stream banks, in swamps, on the margins of lakes and in tree-bordered marshes. (Steve A. Johnson, U.S. Geological Society)
Eastern diamondback The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is the largest and most dangerous of the snakes that are native to Florida. (Steve A. Johnson, U.S. Geological Society)
Diamondback rattlesnake The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is the largest and most dangerous of the snakes that are native to Florida. (Luke Smith)
Diamondback rattlesnake The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is the largest and most dangerous of the snakes that are native to Florida. (Luke Smith)
Canebrake rattlesnake The canebrake snake can be distinguished by its grayish-brown or pinkish buff color, with dark bands across its body and a brown or black tail with a rattle at the end. (Steve A. Johnson, University of Florida)
Canebrake rattlesnake The canebrake snake can be distinguished by its grayish-brown or pinkish buff color, with dark bands across its body and a brown or black tail with a rattle at the end. (Jason C. Seitz)
Copperhead Florida is the southern boundary of where copperheads are found, which means it's rare to spot the snake in most of the state. (bobbyfingers/iNaturalist)
Copperhead Florida is the southern boundary of where copperheads are found, which means it's rare to spot the snake in most of the state. (Steve A. Johnson, University of Florida)
Coral snake FWC officials say the coral snake’s venom is the most potent of any snake in North America. (Todd Pierson)
Coral snake FWC officials say the coral snake’s venom is the most potent of any snake in North America. (Todd Pierson)
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