A restaurant in Everglades City, Florida, has introduced a unique yet effective offer: anyone who catches a Burmese python during the Florida Python Challenge 2026 can bring it to the establishment and receive a free pizza in exchange, as reported by NBC Miami.
Named Wildman's Pizza, Pasta and Python, the restaurant is located in Everglades City, right at the edge of the Everglades. Dusty "Wildman" Crum, a seasoned python hunter with over 15 years of experience in those swamps, opened the doors in October 2023 with a distinct premise: accepting snakes as currency.
"I'm the first place in the world to accept pythons as currency. You can trade a python for a pizza. We make python toppings, python pizza, iguana, whatever," said Crum.
The Florida Python Challenge 2026, which began last Thursday and runs through July 19, offers a grand prize of $10,000 for the person who captures the most Burmese pythons, with over $25,000 in total prize money distributed across professional, novice, and military categories.
The event is organized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the South Florida Water Management District, with the Everglades National Park serving as an official partner and one of the eight competition venues.
Legal Loophole in the Python Pizza Exchange
Wildman's initiative has a curious legal twist: Burmese python meat cannot be commercially sold in Florida because its mercury levels can exceed safe consumption limits by up to 100 times.
Crum found a workaround: he simply gives away the python-topped pizza instead of selling it. "I can't sell that, I just have to give it for free," he explained.
Beyond pizza, the restaurant also functions as a python museum and a store offering items made from snake parts. "I use the fat to make snake oils for skin, creams, soap. With the bones, we make jewelry; everything is utilized," the owner elaborated.
The Impact of Invasive Burmese Pythons
Burmese pythons are one of Florida's most destructive invasive species. Originally from Southeast Asia, they primarily arrived in the state through the exotic pet trade, with their spread accelerating after Hurricane Andrew in 1992.
In the Everglades, they lack natural predators and have decimated native mammal populations by up to 90%, preying on more than 85 different species. Since 2000, approximately 23,500 pythons have been removed across the state.
The 2025 edition of the Python Challenge set a record with 294 pythons eliminated in 10 days, with 934 participants. The winner was Taylor Stanberry, the first woman to claim the top prize after capturing 60 snakes.
Those interested in participating in this year's competition still have time: the $25 non-refundable registration remains open until the event's last day, requiring completion of an online course and passing an exam with at least an 85% score.
FAQs on the Florida Python Challenge and Wildman's Pizza Offer
What is the Florida Python Challenge?
The Florida Python Challenge is a competition aimed at removing invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades. Participants compete to capture the most pythons, with prizes awarded in various categories.
How can participants exchange a python for a pizza at Wildman's?
Participants who capture a Burmese python during the Python Challenge can bring it to Wildman's Pizza, Pasta and Python to receive a free pizza as part of the restaurant's unique offer.
Why can't Burmese python meat be sold commercially in Florida?
Burmese python meat cannot be sold commercially in Florida because it often contains mercury levels that exceed safe consumption limits.