Hunters Removed 181 Invasive Pythons in Florida
The state-led elimination program awarded bonuses to top performers who removed snakes from public lands in September 2026.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Reptiles
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Contracted hunters removed 181 invasive pythons across Florida public conservation lands during a competition held in September 2026. The effort aimed to curb the population of the invasive species through the state's Python Elimination Program.
Why it matters
The Python Elimination Program incentivizes the removal of invasive reptiles that threaten native ecosystems in the Everglades. Cash bonuses are awarded to hunters based on the number and size of the snakes they successfully capture.
Brian Hargrove won the competition with 37 pythons removed, earning a $600 bonus, while Joseph Currie received $400 for a 12-foot specimen. Tiered cash rewards included $1,000 for hunters removing 18 or 23 pythons.
The players
Brian Hargrove
He was the top participant in the September competition after removing 37 pythons.
Joseph Currie
He captured a 12-foot long python and received a $400 bonus for the length of his catch.
Christina Kraus
She successfully removed 23 pythons during the event and earned a $1,000 bonus.
Kristine Bartish
She removed 19 pythons and received a $1,000 reward for her participation.
The details
Hunters utilized various methods including foot travel, bicycles, vehicles, and watercraft to track snakes across public lands. Participants verified their activity and survey durations using an approved phone application required by the program.
Timeline
September 2026: Contracted hunters participated in a python elimination competition.
Culture Shift
This competition follows the established trend of utilizing private contractors to manage invasive wildlife populations. The program operates as a direct response to the ongoing ecological challenges posed by non-native species in sensitive habitats.
Residents and visitors to Florida public lands may see an increased number of contractors using specialized equipment or watercraft during survey periods. These efforts aim to preserve native biodiversity in local ecosystems by mitigating the presence of invasive reptiles.
The takeaway
The success of these competitions underscores the critical reliance on skilled contractors to manage invasive wildlife populations in the Florida Everglades. These efforts require consistent survey coverage to maintain pressure on the invasive python population over time.
Further reading
For more information on wildlife management in the region, visit our Reptiles section.
More information
To learn more about the initiative, visit the contracted python hunter application portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The News-Press.
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