national
Tom Rahill Wins 2026 Florida Python Challenge by Removing 96 Invasive Snakes
Just the facts
Tom Rahill won the $10,000 top prize at the 2026 Florida Python Challenge after removing 96 invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades National Park. The 10-day conservation event attracted 907 participants from 30 U.S. states, Canada, and Vietnam, resulting in a total removal of 280 pythons. Participant Rahm Levinson earned the $1,000 prize for harvesting the longest python during the competition, measuring 16 feet 5 inches. Organized by state wildlife officials and conservation partners, the annual contest aims to reduce invasive snake populations that harm native wetland wildlife.
Why this is news
State wildlife authorities announced the results of the annual Florida Python Challenge targeting invasive Burmese pythons in the Everglades.
Sources
This summary is compiled strictly from the original reporting below.