A Florida man captured 87 Burmese pythons to take home a top prize of $1,000 for the most captures last month, according to a post by South Florida Water Management District officials.
Somewhat apropos, Aaron Mann emerged as the top hunter in July during the South Florida Water Management District's (SFWMD) Python Elimination Program contest by netting the most pythons, an invasive species to the Everglades.
The snake's removal is critically important to the state's natural habitat, including the protection of birds and alligators in the Everglades. The python first appeared in South Florida around 1979 and grew in population after being accidentally or intentionally released through the pet trade throughout the 1980s.
In addition, about 100,000 pythons were imported to the United States, largely to Florida, between 1996 and 2006 alone. The current population in the state could be well over 300,000.
Adult Burmese pythons generally grow between 6 and 9 feet long, but some can grow over 20 feet and weigh more than 200 pounds. Due to their size, the snake has few natural predators, making their removal from Florida's environment even more important.
An apex predator, pythons have been known to eat small mammals and birds, as well as large alligators. While native to Asia, pythons are cold-blooded, making the warm weather of South Florida an ideal home for growth.
“Congratulationssss to Aaron Mann for capturing 87 Burmese pythons in July 2025!” South Florida Water Management District said on social media.
According to its information page, the Python Elimination Program pays removal agents $50.00 for pythons measuring up to four feet, and an extra $25.00 for every foot measured beyond that length.
The contest is not to be confused with the Florida Python Challenge, which offers a $10,000 grand prize to the individual who removes the most snakes over 10 days. Other prizes ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 are awarded in different categories.
More information on the program can be found here.
