Contest Highlights
Ronald Kiger of Marion County clinched the $10,000 grand prize by capturing 20 Burmese pythons, marking his victory in the 2024 Florida Python Challenge, aimed at combating invasive species in the Everglades.
The challenge saw participation from over 850 individuals across 33 states and , who collectively removed 195 pythons from the ecosystem, highlighting the widespread effort to raise awareness about the environmental threat posed by these reptiles.
Prize Distribution and Participation
Donna Kalil, with 19 pythons, was awarded $2,500 for the most in the professional category, while Thomas Hobbs led the novice category with 16 pythons, also winning $2,500. The competition had specific prizes for military participants, further diversifying the winners.
The event not only offered financial incentives but also aimed to educate participants and the public about the dangers of Burmese pythons and the importance of preserving Florida's native wildlife and habitats.