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Florida Python Challenge Crowns 2023 Winner Amid Ongoing Invasive Species Battle

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The 2023 Florida Python Challenge has concluded with Ronald Kiger taking home the top prize. Over the course of the 10-day event, Kiger successfully captured 20 Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades, earning a $10,000 reward. His participation was not only competitive; it was part of a broader initiative to raise awareness about the environmental threats posed by these invasive snakes. Last year, Kiger narrowly missed out on the grand prize, finishing as the runner-up.

Representatives from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced Kiger’s achievement at a meeting in Duck Key. This year’s challenge saw participation from over 800 individuals from 33 states and Canada, collectively removing 195 Burmese pythons as part of their efforts.

Prize distribution took place across three distinctive categories: novice, professional, and military. Donna Kalil, a contractor with the South Florida Water Management District, nearly tied with Kiger, capturing 19 pythons and winning $2,500 in the professional category. In the same category, Marcos Rodriguez was awarded $1,500 for catching 16 pythons, and Quentin Archie received $1,000 for capturing the longest python at 8 feet 11 inches (2.7 meters).

In the novice category, Thomas Hobbs led the pack, catching 16 pythons and earning $2,500. Dennis Krum not only secured the longest python in that category but also the entire competition, measuring at 9 feet 11 inches (3 meters).

Meanwhile, in the military category, Jeff Lince took home $2,500 for capturing five pythons, and Antonio Ramos earned $1,000 for the longest python in this group, measuring 9 feet 7 inches (2.9 meters).

Taking place in mid-August, the challenge required participants to humanely euthanize the captured pythons and submit the carcasses to designated check stations throughout South Florida. While the competition offered substantial monetary prizes, its primary goal was to shed light on the ecological risks associated with Burmese pythons, which threaten native wildlife and can transmit diseases to local animal populations. Additionally, these snakes often have elevated mercury levels, posing health risks to humans who consume them.

Rodney Barreto, chairman of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, commented on the ongoing efforts to manage this invasive species, stating, “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.”

This year, the Python Challenge attracted slightly fewer participants compared to the previous year, which had over 1,000 hunters and resulted in the removal of 209 pythons.

State-contracted hunters actively work year-round to combat the proliferation of invasive Burmese pythons. Notably, female pythons can lay between 50 to 100 eggs per nesting cycle, underscoring the necessity of conducting the competition during their hatching season in August. Since the year 2000, approximately 22,000 pythons have been removed from Florida, reflecting an ongoing commitment to controlling this invasive threat to the ecosystem.

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