Nearly 200 Burmese pythons were removed from the Everglades in South Florida in August as part of an annual competition to eradicate the invasive species from the ecosystem.
This year’s Florida Python Challenge attracted 857 participants from 33 states and Canada, and together the competitors removed 195 Burmese pythons.
The $10,000 grand prize went to Ronald Kiger, who removed 20 pythons from the Everglades during the 10-day hunt aimed at bringing awareness to the threat these snakes pose to the ecosystem.
Kiger competed in the challenge last year and was the runner-up to the grand prize winner.
FLORIDA’S BURMESE PYTHON POPULATION EXPLODES, AND USGS SAYS IT’S ‘LIKELY IMPOSSIBLE’ TO ERADICATE THEM
Ronald Kiger was the grand prize winner of the Florida Python Challenge after catching 20 Burmese pythons in August. (Florida Fish and Wildlife)
Representatives from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced Kiger as the grand prize winner Tuesday morning in Duck Key.
“The success of the 2024 Florida Python Challenge was a collective achievement, made possible by the contributions of more than 800 participants, the dedicated efforts of our staff, the invaluable support from our partners and the dedicated leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis,” FWC chairman Rodney Barreto said. “Over 14,000 pythons have been successfully removed by FWC and South Florida Water Management District contractors since 2017. This collective effort continues to have a direct positive impact on the Everglades and our native wildlife through removal and awareness.”
While Kiger won the grand prize, additional money was divided between competitors in three categories: novice, professional and military.
SOUTH FLORIDA RESEARCHERS USE GPS-FITTED POSSUMS AND RACCOONS TO CAPTURE INVASIVE PYTHONS: REPORTS
The Florida Python Challenge took place in August and removed nearly 200 invasive Burmese pythons from the Florida Everglades. (Florida Fish and Wildlife)
Donna Kalil was a python…