Current:Home > InvestGrand prize winner removed 20 Burmese pythons from the wild in Florida challenge -WealthRoots Academy
Grand prize winner removed 20 Burmese pythons from the wild in Florida challenge
View
Date:2025-04-12 22:39:42
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — It’s official, the Florida Python Challenge this year has a winner.
The $10,000 grand prize went to Ronald Kiger, who removed 20 Burmese pythons from the Florida Everglades during the 10-day hunt, which was meant to bring awareness to the threat that these pythons pose to the ecosystem. Last year, he was the direct runner-up to the grand prize winner.
Representatives from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced Kiger’s win in a Tuesday morning meeting in Duck Key. This year, more than 800 people from 33 states and Canada participated in the challenge, and hunters removed 195 Burmese pythons from the wild.
The rest of the prize money was divided amongst competitors in the contest’s three categories: novice, professional and military. Donna Kalil was one python away from a tie with Kiger. 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 (2.7 meters).
Thomas Hobbs won $2,500 for leading the novice category by catching 16 Burmese pythons, while Dennis Krum caught the longest python in this category and also in the entire competition, at 9 feet 11 inches (3 meters).
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 (2.9 meters).
The challenge occurred in mid-August. Hunters were tasked with humanely killing the Burmese pythons and turning in the carcasses to any of the contest’s three check stations in South Florida.
The challenge wasn’t just meant for hunters to win the share of about $25,000 in prizes. It also served to raise awareness about the dangers of Burmese pythons, like how they affect native snakes, can spread diseases amongst native animals and have high mercury levels that are dangerous for human consumption.
“Over 14,000 pythons have been successfully removed by FWC and South Florida Water Management District contractors since 2017,” said Rodney Barreto, chairman of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, in a news release. “This collective effort continues to have a direct positive impact on the Everglades and our native wildlife through removal and awareness.”
This year’s competition was a little bit smaller compared to last year. In 2023, more than 1,000 hunters participated and 209 pythons were removed.
Hunters contracted with the state’s wildlife commission and the South Florida Water Management District work year-round to remove the invasive pythons from the wild. A female python can lay about 50 to 100 eggs at a time, which is why the competition is held during hatching season in August. According to the wildlife agency, about 22,000 pythons have been removed from the state since 2000.
veryGood! (695)
Related
- This was the average Social Security benefit in 2004, and here's what it is now
- Black man’s 1845 lynching in downtown Indianapolis recounted with historical marker
- Jodie Turner-Smith Files for Divorce From Joshua Jackson After 4 Years of Marriage
- Wind power project in New Jersey would be among farthest off East Coast, company says
- B.A. Parker is learning the banjo
- 'Welcome to New York': Taylor Swift cheers on Travis Kelce with Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds
- Construction worker who died when section of automated train system fell in Indianapolis identified
- Runners off the blocks: Minneapolis marathon canceled hours before start time
- Opinion: Gianni Infantino, FIFA sell souls and 2034 World Cup for Saudi Arabia's billions
- GBI investigating fatal shooting of armed man by officers who say he was making threats
Ranking
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- 5 Papuan independence fighters killed in clash in Indonesia’s restive Papua region
- 'A bunch of hicks': Police chief suspended after controversial raid on Kansas newspaper
- New York Gov. Kathy Hochul says last-minute disaster assistance is unconscionable after record-breaking rain
- Federal Spending Freeze Could Have Widespread Impact on Environment, Emergency Management
- I believe in the traditional American dream. But it won't be around for my kids to inherit.
- Spain’s women’s team players Putellas, Rodríguez and Paredes appear before a judge in Rubiales probe
- More suspects to be charged in ransacking of Philadelphia stores, district attorney says
Recommendation
Why members of two of EPA's influential science advisory committees were let go
Gaetz plans to oust McCarthy from House speakership after shutdown vote: 5 Things podcast
Rebels in Mali say they’ve captured another military base in the north as violence intensifies
Mega Millions jackpot reaches $267 million ahead of Sept. 29 drawing. See Friday's winning numbers
Opinion: Gianni Infantino, FIFA sell souls and 2034 World Cup for Saudi Arabia's billions
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy says his priority is border security as clock ticks toward longer-term government funding bill
5 dead, including 2 children, after Illinois crash causes anhydrous ammonia leak
5 killed in Illinois truck crash apparently died from ammonia exposure: Coroner