A Surge in Snake Removals — State Leaders Call It “Make or Break”

This year, the state significantly boosted efforts to remove invasive Burmese python from Florida wetlands — and is calling 2025 a turning point. Under a reinvigorated plan led by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and backed by funding from the government, the removal numbers have soared.

Between May and July alone, the new python-action team cleared over 1,000 pythons — more than triple the removals from the same period last year, and the greatest three-month haul on record.

Meanwhile, statewide programs like the annual Florida Python Challenge continue to draw national-level participation, making python removal a community effort rather than just a government task.

Why This Matters for the Everglades — and for Naples-Marco Country

The problem isn’t small: Burmese pythons are non-native predators that consume birds, mammals, and other native wildlife — decimating populations of rabbits, raccoons, and even threatened marsh species across South Florida.

For the Greater Everglades ecosystem — which spans from Miami to the western edge of Collier and adjoining counties — reducing python numbers isn’t just about removing a nuisance: it’s about preserving biodiversity, protecting native fauna, and giving native species a fighting chance.

With the state’s reinforced efforts now showing results, there’s real hope this long-running invasive-species battle might finally be shifting — especially in regions close to Naples, Marco, and the Everglades fringe.

What’s Changed in 2025: Money & Strategy Make a Difference

This year’s push stands out for a few reasons:

  • For one, the state doubled down on funding. The newly launched Python removal initiative received major backing, helping increase both manpower and tools for systematic hunting.

  • The program expanded access: more federal- and state-managed lands, including preservation zones near Big Cypress, are now officially open to python removal efforts. That gives hunters access to deep swamps and marshes previously off-limits.

  • Finally, coordination between wildlife agencies, private contractors, and incentive-based programs has improved. From statewide removal contests to contracted “python action teams,” the strategy now deploys multiple angles simultaneously — giving the effort both breadth and depth. Taken together, these may mark the most concerted statewide attempt to stem the python tide — and possibly the most effective so far.

What This Means Locally

If you live near or visit Naples, Marco Island, Big Cypress, or western Collier, the state’s ramped-up python campaign is good news for several reasons:

  • Local ecosystems — wetlands, marshes, and woodlands — have better chances at recovery if fewer pythons are roaming the area.

  • Outdoor recreation (hiking, kayaking, fishing) becomes safer and more sustainable as the risks posed by large, invasive snakes decrease.

  • Wildlife populations — from marsh rabbits to raccoons to birds — stand a better shot at regrowth, which in turn supports healthier, more balanced habitats that benefit both nature and human residents.

All told, better Python control means better long-term ecological security for our region.

The Challenge Isn’t Over — But the Tools Are Improving

Even with this year’s surge, experts warn the fight against Burmese pythons will be long and ongoing. These snakes reproduce rapidly and can hide well in the wilderness, which means removal efforts must remain sustained and vigilant.

Still, the 2025 push shows signs of real momentum — a blend of modern strategies, state-level commitment, and community involvement. If that stays the course, future generations might glimpse a restored Everglades — one where native wildlife can reclaim territory from this invasive predator.