08/05/2026
POV: You just won the 2026 Florida Python Challenge™ ⬇️
A python-sized round of applausssSSSsse goes to Tom Rahill, this year’s Ultimate Grand Prize winner, for removing an impressive 96 (!) invasive Burmese pythons during the Challenge, raising awareness about invasive species and helping to protect the Everglades ecosystem!
Every python removed makes a difference for Florida’s native wildlife – during the 10-day event, participants removed 280 of these invasive constrictors. Additional winners:
🐍Most pythons, Professional: Christina Kraus – 36 pythons (runner-up Taylor Stanberry – 34 pythons)
🐍 Most pythons, Novice: Bart Shreve – 9 pythons (runner-up Michael Marousky – 4 pythons)
🐍 Most pythons, Military: Stephen Payton – 3 pythons (runner-up Jonathan Miller – 2 pythons)
🐍 Longest python, Professional: Rahm Levinson – 16 feet, 5 inches
🐍 Longest python, Novice: Vincent Poole – 8 feet, 2 inches
🐍 Longest python, Military: Jeffery “Heath” Roser – 8 feet, 7 inches
BIG thanks to everyone involved in making the 2026 Florida Python Challenge™ a success, including the over 900 registered participants, as well as our staff, volunteers, and partners at the South Florida Water Management District, Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, and the National Park Service/ Everglades National Park!
Special thanks to the 2026 Florida Python Challenge™ sponsors for supporting Everglades conservation through the Challenge, including Platinum Level Sponsor Inversa™ for donating $10K! Additional sponsors: Gold Level Sponsors - Bergeron Everglades Foundation; Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands; The Garcia Companies; Mrs. Daphne & Mr. Martin C. Wood III. Silver Level Sponsors: Robin Hanes; Geoffrey & Robbie Roepstorff. Friends of Wildlife Level Sponsor: Rotary Clubs of Florida.
DYK Burmese pythons can be removed year-round? Learn more: bit.ly/MyFWC_Python
More information: bit.ly/2026PythonChallengeWinner_FWCNews
