Hunters working across the Florida Everglades removed a record four tons of invasive Burmese pythons in a single coordinated effort, a haul that reflects both the staggering scale of the infestation and the expanding reach of state and federal removal programs.

See scientists wrangling the invasive snakes.

Invasive reptiles may be quietly altering how plants regenerate, moving seeds across the Everglades and complicating efforts to restore balance.

The Florida Python Challenge begins July 10 and gives participants the opportunity to remove invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades while raising awareness about the threat posed by the non-native species.

Southwest Florida has become a new breeding ground for Burmese pythons.