Almost 200 Burmese pythons have been faraway from the Everglades in South Florida in August as a part of an annual competitors to eradicate the invasive species from the ecosystem.
This 12 months’s Florida Python Problem attracted 857 members from 33 states and Canada, and collectively the rivals eliminated 195 Burmese pythons.
The $10,000 grand prize went to Ronald Kiger, who eliminated 20 pythons from the Everglades through the 10-day hunt aimed toward bringing consciousness to the risk these snakes pose to the ecosystem.
Kiger competed within the problem final 12 months 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 Problem after catching 20 Burmese pythons in August. (Florida Fish and Wildlife)
Representatives from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Fee introduced Kiger because the grand prize winner Tuesday morning in Duck Key.
“The success of the 2024 Florida Python Problem was a collective achievement, made attainable by the contributions of greater than 800 members, the devoted efforts of our workers, the invaluable assist from our companions and the devoted management of Governor Ron DeSantis,” FWC chairman Rodney Barreto stated. “Over 14,000 pythons have been efficiently eliminated by FWC and South Florida Water Administration District contractors since 2017. This collective effort continues to have a direct constructive influence on the Everglades and our native wildlife via removing and consciousness.”
Whereas Kiger gained the grand prize, further cash was divided between rivals in three classes: novice, skilled and navy.
SOUTH FLORIDA RESEARCHERS USE GPS-FITTED POSSUMS AND RACCOONS TO CAPTURE INVASIVE PYTHONS: REPORTS

The Florida Python Problem befell in August and eliminated practically 200 invasive Burmese pythons from the Florida Everglades. (Florida Fish and Wildlife)
Donna Kalil was a python away from a tie with Kiger and gained $2,500 for catching 19 pythons within the skilled class, as she works as a contractor with the South Florida Water Administration District.
Marcos Rodriguez, who was additionally entered within the skilled class, captured 16 pythons for $1,500, and Quentin Archie gained $1,000 for catching the longest python at 8 ft, 11 inches. Dennis Krum, who caught the longest python within the novice class and in your complete competitors at 9 ft, 11 inches, additionally gained $1,000.
Within the novice class, Thomas Hobbs gained $2,500 for catching 16 Burmese pythons, and within the navy class, Jeff Lince gained $2,500 for catching 5 pythons. Moreover, Antonio Ramos gained $1,000 for catching the longest python within the navy group at 9 ft, 7 inches.
FLORIDA MAN CAPTURES 28 BURMESE PYTHONS TO WIN TOP PRIZE IN STATE’S ANNUAL CHALLENGE

A Burmese python, a nonnative species within the space, is captured in south Florida. (Florida Fish and Wildlife Picture / Andy Wraithmell)
In the course of the mid-August problem, hunters have been tasked with humanely killing the Burmese pythons and turning within the carcasses to any of the competition’s three examine stations in South Florida.
The problem supplied nice incentives to hunters, but additionally served as a chance to lift consciousness in regards to the risks of Burmese pythons and the way they will unfold illnesses amongst native animals and have excessive mercury ranges which are harmful for human consumption.
In keeping with the FWC, Burmese pythons usually are not native to the Sunshine State and their presence within the Everglades ecosystem and south Florida negatively impacts the native species, as a feminine Burmese can lay 50 to 100 eggs at a time.
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Along with the Florida Python Problem, the FWC stated residents can proceed to manage non-native species by eradicating and humanely killing pythons. This may be finished at any time on non-public land with permission from the landowner and on 25 commission-managed lands in south Florida.
Non-native fish and wildlife can be reported to the FWC’s Invasive Species Hotline at 1-888-483-4681, on-line at IveGot1.org, or by downloading the IveGot1 smartphone app.
The Related Press contributed to this report.