Grand Prize Winner Announced
The Florida Python Challenge for 2024 has concluded, and the $10,000 grand prize was awarded to Ronald Kiger. Kiger successfully removed 20 Burmese pythons from the Florida Everglades during the 10-day competition aimed at highlighting the ecological threat posed by these invasive snakes. Last year, Kiger was the runner-up for the grand prize.
Competition Details
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) revealed Kiger’s win at a meeting in Duck Key. This year’s challenge saw participation from over 800 people across 33 states and Canada, who collectively removed 195 Burmese pythons from the wild.
Category Winners and Prizes
- Professional Category: Donna Kalil, a contractor with the South Florida Water Management District, was just one python short of tying with Kiger. She earned $2,500 for removing 19 pythons. Marcos Rodriguez captured 16 pythons, winning $1,500, while Quentin Archie received $1,000 for catching the longest python in this category at 8 feet 11 inches (2.7 meters).
- Novice Category: Thomas Hobbs led with 16 pythons, securing a $2,500 prize. Dennis Krum captured the longest python in this category and overall, measuring 9 feet 11 inches (3 meters).
- Military Category: Jeff Lince caught five pythons and won $2,500, while Antonio Ramos received $1,000 for catching the longest python in this group at 9 feet 7 inches (2.9 meters).
Challenge Objectives and Impact
The challenge, held in mid-August, required hunters to humanely kill the pythons and submit the carcasses to designated check stations in South Florida. Beyond the competitive aspect, the event aimed to raise awareness about the Burmese pythons’ impact on the ecosystem, including their threat to native snakes, potential to spread diseases, and dangerous mercury levels for human consumption.
Rodney Barreto, chairman of the FWC, highlighted the ongoing efforts to manage the python population. “Over 14,000 pythons have been successfully removed by FWC and South Florida Water Management District contractors since 2017,” he said. “This collective effort continues to have a direct positive impact on the Everglades and our native wildlife through removal and awareness.”
Historical Context
This year’s competition saw a slight decrease in participation compared to 2023, when over 1,000 hunters removed 209 pythons. State wildlife contractors and the South Florida Water Management District continue their year-round efforts to control the invasive python population. With each female python capable of laying 50 to 100 eggs, the competition takes place during the hatching season in August. Since 2000, approximately 22,000 pythons have been removed from Florida.