Rahill removed 96 Burmese pythons from Everglades National Park to win the $10,000 grand prize in the 2026 Florida Python Challenge, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
The annual state-sponsored competition ran July 10 through July 19. It brought 907 participants from 30 states, Canada and Vietnam, who collectively removed 280 Burmese pythons from South Florida. Rahill’s total accounted for more than one-third of the snakes removed during the challenge, and all 96 were taken from Everglades National Park.
Everglades National Park was one of eight locations open to challenge participants. The National Park Service says the event is designed to remove invasive pythons while involving the public in efforts to protect the Everglades.
Other 2026 winners included Christina Kraus, who won the professional category after removing 36 pythons, and Taylor Stanberry, who removed 34. Rahm Levinson caught the challenge’s longest python, measured at 16 feet, 5 inches.
Burmese pythons are established across much of South Florida and prey on native mammals, birds and reptiles. The U.S. Geological Survey has linked their spread with severe declines in several mammal populations in Everglades National Park. In one USGS-supported study, pythons were responsible for 77% of deaths among radio-tracked marsh rabbits released into the park.
Python removal continues beyond the annual contest. The FWC allows removal on designated public lands throughout the year, while contracted removal programs operate across South Florida.
