Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez announced the winners of the 2023 Florida Python Challenge®. 1,050 participants from 35 states and Belgium removed 209 Burmese pythons from south Florida during the 10-day competition created by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and partners to increase awareness about invasive species and the threats they pose to Florida’s ecology. This year’s winner removed 20 Burmese pythons, taking home a $10,000 ultimate grand prize.

“Removing these invasive pythons is an important part of our efforts to protect the Everglades, and this competition allows people to get involved in Florida’s conservation efforts for one of the world’s most prized natural resources,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “I thank everyone involved in making the Florida Python Challenge® a successful event year after year, and I congratulate the winners of this year’s competition.”

The winners of the 2023 Florida Python Challenge® were announced at today’s Awards Ceremony at the Long Key Nature Center in Davie, FL. The Ultimate Grand Prize Winner was Paul Hobbs who removed 20 Burmese pythons, winning $10,000. The Ultimate Grand Prize Runner-Up, Ronald Kiger, took home $7,500 for removing 14 pythons. Additionally, the winner in the Military category was Justin Morgan, who took home $2,500 for removing 7 pythons. For a full list of winners, click here. Read more