Winners of 2024 Florida Python Challenge Announced

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and partners have announced the final results and winners of the 2024 Florida Python Challenge.

According to a FWC press release, 857 participants from 33 states and Canada collectively removed 195 invasive Burmese pythons from South Florida during the 10-day competition held August 9-18, 2024.

The $10,000 grand prize went to Ronald Kiger, who removed 20 snakes during the hunt. Last year, Kiger finished runner-up in the event.

The remainder of the prize money was distributed amongst competitors in three categories: novice, professional and military. Donna Kalil, a contractor with the South Florida Water Management District, got a $2,500 prize for catching 19 pythons in the professional category. Also in the professional category, Marcos Rodriguez caught 16 pythons for the prize of $1,500, and Quentin Archie won a $1,000 prize for catching the longest python in this category at 8 feet 11 inches.

Thomas Hobbs received $2,500 for winning the novice category with 16 pythons, while Dennis Krum caught the longest python at 9 feet 11 inches.

Jeff Lince caught five pythons, winning $2,500 in the military category, and Antonio Ramos won $1,000 for catching the longest python in this group at 9 feet 7 inches.

“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,” said Rodney Barreto, FWC Chairman in the press release. “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.”

The winners of the 2024 Florida Python Challenge were announced at the FWC’s Commission Meeting held in Duck Key.

The goal of the Florida Python Challenge is to raise awareness about invasive species in Florida and their impacts. The annual competition also encourages people to get directly involved in Everglades conservation through invasive species removal.