Hunters working across the Florida Everglades removed a record four tons of invasive Burmese pythons in a single coordinated effort, a haul that reflects both the staggering scale of the infestation and the expanding reach of state and federal removal programs.

Brandon Welty, a python researcher with Croc Docs, holds up an antenna and receiver to track where a male python during breeding season on March 11, 2026 in the interior of the northern Everglades. Ashley Miznazi [email protected]

Invasive reptiles may be quietly altering how plants regenerate, moving seeds across the Everglades and complicating efforts to restore balance.

Burmese pythons are an invasive nightmare in Florida. Anyone can view a sampling of recent comments, but you must be a Times subscriber to contribute. Log in above or subscribe here. Conversations are opinions of our readers and are subject to the Community Guidelines.

See scientists wrangling the invasive snakes.

An insider's look at Florida’s war on invaders: the giant snakes, egg-eating predators and parasites spreading through the Everglades.

Southwest Florida has become a new breeding ground for Burmese pythons.