WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — 280 invasive Burmese pythons were removed from the Everglades during the Florida Python Challenge, with one hunter catching 96 snakes to claim the top prize.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced Wednesday that 907 participants from 30 states, Canada and Vietnam removed 280 Burmese pythons during the 10-day competition.

This year’s Ultimate Grand Prize went to Tom Rahill, who removed 96 pythons — all from Everglades National Park, which returned this year as one of eight official competition sites.

The event’s longest python, a 16-foot, 5-inch snake, was also found in Everglades National Park and removed by Rahm Levinson.

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FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto called the results “a major victory” for Florida’s native wildlife, noting that more than 1,600 pythons have been removed through Florida Python Challenge events since the competition began. He added that FWC and South Florida Water Management District contractors have removed more than 19,000 invasive pythons since 2017.

The annual challenge is designed to raise awareness about invasive species while encouraging the public to help protect the Everglades by removing Burmese pythons, which prey on native wildlife and disrupt the ecosystem.

Other top winners included:

Professional: Christina Kraus removed 36 pythons to win the Most Pythons category, while Taylor Stanberry finished runner-up with 34.Novice: Bart Shreve won after removing nine pythons.Military: U.S. Army veteran Stephen Payton claimed the top prize with three pythons removed.

The challenge was hosted by the FWC and the South Florida Water Management District in partnership with Everglades National Park and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida.