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Optional Training

All Florida Python Challenge™ participants must read the Rules and take the Required Online Training prior to Registration.

Below are additional tools to teach participants how to identify, locate and safely capture Burmese pythons.

In-person training

In-person safe capture trainings are available during opening weekend, July 11-13, of the Florida Python Challenge™. Trainings are held at Everglades Holiday Park with timeslots starting at 9:00 a.m. and ending at 10:20 a.m. Space is limited to 10 participants at each 30-minute training. If you register and then cannot attend, please unregister to free up a spot for someone else. Anyone under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian present to participate. Anyone under the age of 12 may not participate. 

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Biologist teach safe handling techniques for pythons

Training Outposts

Visit a Training Outpost during opening weekend for additional instruction from an expert in safe capture and humane killing techniques. Outposts are located at each check station on July 11-13 of opening weekend, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Locate a Training Outpost

Available Now: Online Resources

Virtual Python Patrol Program

Virtual Python Patrol is available year-round at no cost to the public. This program aims to create a network of trained individuals able to identify Burmese pythons, report sightings, and in some cases, capture and humanely kill nonnative snakes. Florida Python Challenge participants can register for the next Virtual Python Patrol program or view the presentation here. 

Virtual Python Patrol is not a substitute for the Required Online Training.

Virtual Python Patrol

Training Videos

Searching for Pythons

This educational video will provide expert tips for locating pythons in the wild.

Read Competition Rules

Safe Capture of Burmese Pythons

This educational video will help you learn how to safely capture and humanely kill invasive pythons.

Read Competition Rules

Useful Links