FWC, partners celebrate successful Florida Python Challenge
The 2021 Florida Python Challenge yielded unprecedented results this year with participants removing 223 invasive Burmese pythons from South Florida, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recently reported. More than 600 people participated in the 10-day competition, designed to increase awareness about invasive species and the threats they pose to Florida’s ecology.
Charles Dachton won the $10,000 Ultimate Grand Prize, for removing 41 pythons. The longest python removed in the competition was 15 feet, 9 inches, removed by Brandon Call.
The additional prize winners included:
Professional
• Most Pythons Grand Prize: Donna Kalil, 19 pythons, $2,500
• Most Pythons Second Place Prize: Kurt Cox, 15 pythons, $750
• Longest Python Grand Prize: Dusty Crum, 15 feet 5 inches, $1,500
• Longest Python Second Place Prize: Myron Looker, 12 feet 4.5 inches, $750
Novice
• Most Pythons Grand Prize: Tom Hobbs, six pythons, $2,500
• Most Pythons Second Place Prize: Derek Reynolds, two pythons, $750
• Longest Python Grand Prize: Brandon Call, 15 feet 9 inches, $1,500
• Longest Python Second Place Prize: Shawn Allen, 13 feet 8 inches, $750
Due to an administrative error, Juan Gonzalez should have been recognized for his efforts removing eight pythons in the novice category during the challenge. He will also receive a $2,500 prize.
Additional participants who are members or veterans of the U.S. military also received prizes.
The FWC, South Florida Water Management District and Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida host the challenge to continue raising awareness about invasive species in Florida and their impacts. The annual event encourages people to get directly involved in Everglades conservation through invasive species removal. This year, Virtual Business Services provided the $10,000 reward for the Ultimate Grand Prize, while the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida provided the additional prizes.
Burmese pythons are not native to Florida and negatively impact native species. They are found primarily in and around the Everglades ecosystem in South Florida where they prey on birds, mammals and other reptiles. A female can lay 50 to 100 eggs at a time. Since 2000, more than 13,000 pythons have been removed from the state.
The public can help control invasive species by reporting nonnative fish and wildlife to the FWC’s Invasive Species Hotline at 888-IVE-GOT1 (888-483-4681), by reporting sightings at IveGot1.org or by downloading the IveGot1 smartphone app. For more information, visit MyFWC.com/Nonnatives.
For more information about the challenge, visit FLPythonChallenge.org.