Pythons are an invasive species in Florida and more than 200 were removed during the state's 10-day contest. Photo: iStockphoto.com/dwi septiyama
Matthew Concepcion removed 28 Burmese pythons to win the $10,000 Bergeron Everglades Foundation grand prize in the 2022 Florida Python Challenge.
Concepcion’s haul was part of the 231 Burmese pythons captured by almost 1,000 hunters from 32 states, Canada and Latvia. The event spanned 10 days and was created to increase awareness about invasive species, the threats they post to Florida’s ecology and to remove as many as possible.
Dustin Crum won $1,500 for the longest python, which measured 11 feet, .24 inches.
“Every one of the pythons removed as part of the Challenge is one less preying on our native birds, mammals and reptiles,” said Rodney Barreto, chairman of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission. “This is a win for the Everglades and a win for the people of Florida.”
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, South Florida Water Management District and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida host the Florida Python Challenge each year to continue raising awareness about invasive species in Florida and their impacts.
Visit www.flpythonchallenge.org for more information.
