Florida’s 2024 Python Challenge winner bagged 20 snakes. Longest python, other things to know
CongratssssSSSssssSSssss to this year's top Burmese python wranglers!
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials announced the 10 winners of the 2024 Florida Python Challenge, seeing 89 Burmese Pythons captured among the champions.
“There were over 700 competitors from Florida and over 100 from out of state, including two from Canada, who participated in this year’s Florida Python Challenge,” Roger Young, FWC Executive Director, said. “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.”
What is the Florida Python Challenge?
The Florida Python Challenge is a 10-day competition created by FWC to encourage participants to remove Burmese pythons from seven commission-managed lands in South Florida.
The Burmese python is a large, nonvenomous constrictor snake that is an invasive species in Florida. Burmese pythons were introduced to Florida via the pet trade and are now well established in the Everglades, where the snake represents a threat to the ecosystem.
FWC officials claim the intent of the challenge is to not only remove the predators but also to spread awareness of the dangers they pose. The competition also seeks to protect the Everglades habitat and all its native animals by removing the invasive pythons.
What were the dates for the 2024 Florida Python Challenge?
The annual Everglades python hunt kicked off at 12:01 a.m. Friday, August 9 and ended at 5 p.m. Sunday, August 18.
How many Burmese pythons were collected during the challenge this year?
According to the FWC, 857 participants competed in this year's challenge from 33 states and Canada. They removed a total of 195 pythons.
“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,” Rodney Barreto, FWC Chairman, 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.”
Here's a look at the winners from this year's python challenge:
Florida Python Challenge Ultimate Grand Prize - Ronald Kiger
Ronald Kiger took home $10,000 for catching 20 Burmese pythons during the challenge.
Most pythons removed (Military) – Jeff Lince
Jeff Lince, U.S. Army, received $2,500 for removing five Burmese pythons.
Most pythons removed (Professional) – Donna Kalil
Donna Kalil received $2,500 for capturing 19 Burmese pythons.
Most pythons removed (Novice) – Thomas Hobbs
Thomas Hobbs received $2,500 for capturing 16 Burmese pythons.
Most pythons removed runner up (Military) – David Wagner
David Wagner, U.S. Army, received $1,500 for removing three Burmese pythons.
Most pythons removed runner up (Professional) – Marcos Rodriguez
Marcos Rodriguez received $1,500 for removing 16 Burmese pythons.
Most pythons removed runner up (Novice) – Donald Straughan
Donald Straughan received $1,500 for capturing seven Burmese pythons.
Longest python captured (Military) – Antonio Ramos
Antonio Ramos, U.S. Army, received $1,000 for catching the longest Burmese python in the military category at 9 feet, 7 inches.
Longest python captured (Professional) – Quentin Archie
Quentin Archie received $1,000 for catching the longest Burmese python in the professional category at 8 feet, 11 inches.
Longest python captured (Novice) – Dennis Krum
Dennis Krum received $1,000 for catching the longest Burmese python in the novice category at 9 feet, 11 inches.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: 2024 Florida Python Challenge: FWC announces its 10 champions
