MIAMI.- Ronald Kiger won this year’s Florida Python Challenge after removing 20 invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades, taking home the grand prize of $10,000.
Kiger, who was runner-up last year, beat out more than 800 entrants from 33 states and Canada. Hunters removed a total of 195 pythons during the 10-day competition, which took place in August.
The challenge, organized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), aims to raise awareness about the impact of Burmese pythons on the South Florida ecosystem.
According to the FWC, these snakes pose a threat to native wildlife, spread disease and contain high levels of mercury, making them a dangerous species.
Other winners of the Florida Python Challenge
Meanwhile, Donna Kalil came in second place in the professional category with 19 pythons captured and earned the sum of $2,500. Other award winners were:
- Professional: Marcos Rodríguez (16 pythons, $1,500), Quentin Archie (longest python – 8 feet 11 inches, $1,000).
- Newbies: Thomas Hobbs (16 pythons, $2,500), Dennis Krum (longest python – 9 feet 11 inches, unspecified prize).
- Military: Jeff Lince (5 pythons, $2,500), Antonio Ramos (longest python – 9 feet 7 inches, $1,000).
Although fewer participants registered and fewer pythons were removed this year compared to the 2023 challenge, the removal efforts of the FWC and its allies have yielded significant results.
Since 2017, more than 14,000 pythons have been removed and the total number since 2000 is approaching 22,000.
Why this competition?
The competition is held during the python breeding season, as a single female can lay between 50 and 100 eggs at a time. State-contracted trappers work year-round to control the population of these invasive snakes.
The president of the FWC, Rodney Barreto highlighted the positive impact of the challenge and ongoing removal efforts on protecting native wildlife and the Everglades.
The competition not only removes pythons, but also educates the public about the dangers these snakes pose to Florida’s delicate ecosystem.
