The Florida Python Challenge concluded with a standout winner who removed 20 invasive pythons from the Everglades, earning a $10,000 prize.
Ronald Kiger claimed the $10,000 prize after removing 20 Burmese python from the Florida Everglades. Kiger was the 2023 runner-up.
Representatives from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced Kiger's victory on Tuesday.
More than 800 people from 33 states, and Canada, participated in this year's challenge. In total, hunters removed 195 Burmese pythons from the wild.
“Thanks to Governor DeSantis and our many partners who support the Florida Python Challenge each year to bring awareness to removing invasive Burmese pythons from Florida’s environment," FWC executive director Roger Young said.
The rest of the prize money was divided amongst competitors in the contest's three categories:
- Novice
- Professional
- Military
Donna Kalil, a contractor with the South Florida Water Management District, was one python away from tying Kiger in the competition.
Kalil claimed a $2,500 prize after capturing 19 pythons in the professional category.
Marcos Rodriguez also participated in the professional category where he went on to capture 16 pythons and claim the $1,500 prize.
Quentin Archie took home $1,000 after catching the longest python in the professional category at 8 feet 11 inches.
After capturing 16 pythons, Thomas Hobbs collected $2,500 in the novice category. Dennis Krum caught the longest python in the novice category, and entire competition, at 9 feet 11 inches.
In the military category, Jeff Lince caught five pythons and collected $2,500. Antonio Ramos won $1,000 after catching the longest python in the category, measuring 9 feet 7 inches.
The challenge began in Mid-August as hunters were given the task to humanely kill the Burmese pythons and turn in their carcasses to any of the contest's check stations around South Florida.
The challenge served as a way to raise awareness about the dangers of Burmese pythons in Florida ecosystems. They can affect native snakes and spread diseases amongst native animals.
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