Story perspectives

Rahill Captures 16-Foot Python, Removes 98 Eggs for $10,000

8/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Tom Rahill (69, former IT entrepreneur) captured a 16-ft-5-in Burmese python, removed 98 eggs (96 hatchlings survived), and won $10,000.
The eight-day contest (July 10-18, 2026) drew 907 participants from 30 states, Canada and Vietnam and removed 280 pythons.
For the first time hunters entered Everglades National Park and South Florida wildlife-management areas, contributing to the 28,000 pythons removed since 2000, said Sarah Funk, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Program Coordinator.

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Story summary

Tom Rahill (69, former IT entrepreneur) captured a 16-ft-5-in Burmese python, removed 98 eggs (96 hatchlings survived), and won $10,000.
The eight-day contest (July 10-18, 2026) drew 907 participants from 30 states, Canada and Vietnam and removed 280 pythons.
For the first time hunters entered Everglades National Park and South Florida wildlife-management areas, contributing to the 28,000 pythons removed since 2000, said Sarah Funk, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Program Coordinator.