Florida Hunters Removed 181 Invasive Pythons
Contracted hunters earned bonuses in September 2026 for removing invasive snakes from public conservation lands.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Reptiles
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In September 2026, participants in a Florida python elimination competition successfully removed 181 invasive snakes from the Everglades. The program provides cash bonuses to hunters based on the number and size of the pythons they extract from local conservation areas.
Why it matters
The Python Elimination Program aims to mitigate the environmental impact of these invasive predators on the fragile Everglades ecosystem. Regular removal efforts help manage python populations that threaten local wildlife and public conservation land health.
Hunters earned tiered bonuses including $1,000 for removing at least 18 pythons and $400 for the longest single capture, which measured 12 feet. Brian Hargrove led the group by removing 37 pythons, earning him a $600 bonus.
The players
Brian Hargrove
A successful contracted hunter who led the competition by removing 37 invasive pythons.
Joseph Currie
A participant who received a bonus for capturing a 12-foot long python during the removal event.
Christina Kraus
A hunter who earned a $1,000 bonus for the removal of 23 pythons.
Kristine Bartish
A hunter who removed 19 pythons and earned a $1,000 performance bonus.
The details
Contracted participants search for snakes across public lands using a combination of foot, bicycle, vehicle, and watercraft methods. To ensure accountability, hunters use an approved phone application that verifies the specific duration and geographic location of each survey. Captured specimens are then removed from the habitat to prevent further spread and disruption of native wildlife populations.
Timeline
September 2026: Contracted hunters participated in a python elimination competition.
The Home Front
This effort is a critical component of the ongoing Python Elimination Program, which manages the environmental impact of invasive species in sensitive areas. The program continues to refine its public land access and verification protocols to improve total removal efficiency.
Florida residents who live near conservation lands should report any invasive snake sightings to the appropriate state authorities. Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife and avoid attempting to trap or handle large reptiles on your own.
The takeaway
Management of invasive species in Florida depends on the consistent, verified efforts of contractors. Residents can support these programs by utilizing official reporting channels when they encounter non-native wildlife on public land.
Further reading
Find more information about local conservation efforts in our Reptiles section.
More information
To review eligibility or sign up for future events, visit the contracted python hunter application.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The News-Press.
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