Burmese Python Update: Novice Wins $10,000

More than 223 invasive Burmese pythons – including one 15 feet, 9 inches long – have been taken out of South Florida as part of the 10-day Florida Python Challenge.

Charles Dachton won the $10,000 grand prize for removing 41 pythons. The longest python removed in the competition was 15 feet, 9 inches, removed by Brandon Call. Pro and novice python hunters won cash prized for their captures and size. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, South Florida Water Management District and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida host the annual event to encourage people to get directly involved in Everglades conservation through invasive species removal.

Not native to Florida, Burmese pythons 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 Burmese python can lay 50 to 100 eggs at a time.

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 online at IveGot1.org or by downloading the IveGot1 smartphone app. For more information, visit MyFWC.com/Nonnatives.