News Summary
Florida has made significant strides in its fight against the invasive Burmese python population, with the PATRIC program achieving record removal numbers. A collaboration with Inversa has enhanced efforts, leading to almost 1,000 pythons removed in just three months, alongside a major decrease in management workload. The initiative not only focuses on ecological restoration but also encourages local participation and economic benefits through ethical use of the removed snakes. Continued funding and technological innovations are being sought to sustain and expand these successful efforts.
Florida has made remarkable progress in its battle against the invasive Burmese python population. On October 21, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis announced at a news conference in Stuart, Florida, that the state’s Python Action Team – Removing Invasive Constrictors (PATRIC) program has achieved record success, particularly due to a new partnership with the Miami-based company Inversa.
Since the inception of PATRIC in 2017, the initiative has focused on removing Burmese pythons from Florida’s Everglades, where these non-native snakes threaten native wildlife. The partnership with Inversa is credited with “supercharging” the removal efforts, leading to a significant increase in the number of pythons removed from the ecosystem.
In July 2025 alone, a record 748 pythons were removed, surpassing the removal total for all of 2024. This impressive feat was part of a broader trend where 1,022 pythons were removed in just three months from May to July 2025, compared to only 343 during the same period in the previous year.
The positive impact of this partnership extends beyond just increased removal numbers. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reported a remarkable 89% decrease in management workload attributed to the collaboration with Inversa. Additionally, python hunters have seen their pay increase by 60% during this timeframe, incentivizing local participation in the removal effort.
The success of the PATRIC program has prompted calls for continued funding from the Florida Legislature, urging to extend the initial $2 million investment made in 2025. As the invasive species problem escalates, consistent financial support will be critical in maintaining and enhancing removal efforts.
Burmese pythons, which have been a problem in Florida since the early 2000s, pose a significant threat to local wildlife. Known for their rapid reproduction rate, female pythons can lay between 50 to 100 eggs, allowing their population to swell precipitously. Since the year 2000, over 23,000 wild Burmese pythons have been removed from Florida ecosystems, highlighting the ongoing struggle against this invasive species.
The annual Florida Python Challenge has been a platform to raise awareness about invasive species while allowing the public to participate in their removal. In 2025, the challenge experienced its largest turnout, with 934 participants from 30 states and Canada, who collectively removed 294 pythons during the competition. This initiative encourages citizens to report sightings of nonnative species through the Invasive Species Hotline or the I’ve Got 1 app, providing a mechanism for public involvement in conservation efforts.
In addition to wildlife management, Inversa has developed a commercial aspect to the program by creating leather products from harvested pythons, such as wallets, boots, belts, and sporting goods. This ethical removal strategy not only aids the environment but also contributes to the economy.
Looking towards the future, Inversa aims to increase python removals tenfold by incorporating advanced technology, including artificial intelligence for detection and predictive modeling of snake behavior. The collaboration intends to leverage these innovations to enhance the effectiveness of the removal program significantly.
Governor DeSantis remarked on the surprising levels of success stemming from this partnership. With the aggressive predation habits of Burmese pythons resulting in significant ecological degradation in the Everglades, ongoing efforts and innovations like these are crucial for protecting Florida’s diverse wildlife.
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Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
