Dusty Crum Wiki/Bio, Age, Net Worth, Accident, Marriage? Girlfriend.

Dusty Crum is a Florida-based python hunter, conservationist, and television personality best known for leading the fight against invasive Burmese pythons in the Everglades. His name has become synonymous with Florida’s battle against one of its most formidable ecological threats. A figure as rugged as the wilderness he defends, Crum is not just a snake hunter for the cameras. He is a conservationist, an entrepreneur, and a symbol of grassroots environmental defense. Known to many as “The Wildman” or “The Python Wildman,” Crum has built a life around a mission: to protect the Everglades from the devastation wrought by invasive species.

His rise to prominence came not through celebrity aspiration, but through years of boots-on-the-ground work—often without the boots. Known for tracking snakes barefoot in the wild, Crum’s methods are as unconventional as his path. With no formal academic training in biology or conservation, he built his reputation through experience, intuition, and a deep respect for the land. As the Everglades faced one of its greatest threats in the form of invasive Burmese pythons, Crum stepped into a role that demanded not just skill, but courage, stamina, and relentless commitment to a cause larger than himself.

This article explores Dusty Crum’s background—from his early days in Florida to his rise as a python hunter featured in Guardians of the Glades, Swamp People, and Swamp People: Serpent Invasion. It also highlights his entrepreneurship, personal milestones—including his past with Natalee McKinney and current relationship with Kim Collins—and his net worth. Whether you’re interested in invasive species control, python bounty programs, or Crum’s conservation career, this profile offers a concise, fact-based look at the man behind the ‘Wildman’ name.

Early Life and Upbringing: From Sarasota Roots to Bayou Purpose

Born on May 31, 1980, in Sarasota County, Florida, Dustin “Dusty” Crum grew up immersed in the natural beauty of southern Florida. He developed an early connection to the outdoors. While the Burmese python invasion had not yet become a crisis during his youth, Crum showed a fascination with snakes and wildlife from a young age. During his formative years, Crum spent considerable time outdoors, developing familiarity with Florida’s native wildlife and terrain.

He attended Sarasota High School and spent part of his early adulthood working in the construction industry—performing tasks such as pouring concrete and digging ditches. Though the work paid the bills, Crum found it unfulfilling. The physical labor contrasted sharply with his deeper interests in wildlife and conservation. Eventually, he left construction to pursue a path that aligned more closely with his passion: full-time python hunting and land stewardship.

Dusty Crum’s Rise as a Python Hunter and Conservationist

Dusty Crum’s emergence as a python hunter and conservationist is closely tied to Florida’s broader response to the ecological damage caused by invasive Burmese pythons. These non-native snakes have disrupted the Everglades’ fragile ecosystem, significantly reducing populations of native mammals, birds, and reptiles. In response, agencies like the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) established coordinated bounty programs, including the Python Elimination Program.

Crum gained attention for his distinct field methods. He often hunted barefoot, dressed in minimal gear, and relied on environmental cues such as ground vibrations to locate pythons. He regularly wore a feather in his hair, partially as a joke. His preference for manual captures—opting to catch pythons by hand rather than use traps—further distinguished his approach. These methods enabled him to engage directly with some of Florida’s largest pythons, including snakes over 18 feet in length and weighing more than 150 pounds.

In May 2017, Crum caught a 16-foot, 10-inch Burmese python weighing 130 pounds—one of the largest of that season. Later that same year, he and two other hunters captured an 18-foot python, a milestone that brought national attention. Under the state’s bounty structure, he earned $375 for the initial capture, based on hourly wages and per-foot incentives. He also received bonuses for eliminating snake nests, including one occasion where he removed 78 eggs from a single site.

Crum’s conservation work began publicly in 2013 when he co-founded the “Cypress Boys,” a team formed to compete in the Florida Python Challenge. Their efforts earned them second place in their debut year and first place in 2016 after capturing 33 pythons. These early successes helped establish Crum as one of the leading figures in invasive species control in the region.

After 2017, Crum intensified his efforts, spending extended periods in remote sections of the Everglades. Due to limited cellular coverage in those areas, he began using a dedicated secondary phone, often referred to as the “Wildman Hotline,” to maintain contact with his team. This phase of his career marked a transition from individual hunter to a recognized conservation advocate, contributing both in the field and through media outreach.

Crum’s work has since become emblematic of Florida’s evolving grassroots conservation movement—centered on hands-on fieldwork, adaptability, and public engagement. His continued efforts remain integral to broader initiatives aimed at restoring ecological balance in one of the most biodiverse and threatened wetlands in the United States.

Dusty Crum’s Personal Life: Wife, Girlfriends, Relationship History, and Children

Longtime Partner Natalee McKinney: Relationship History and Public Appearances (2004–Early 2020s)

Dusty Crum’s personal life includes a longstanding partnership with Natalee McKinney, whom he met after relocating to Myakka City in 2004. McKinney was employed at a local greenhouse, and her interest in orchid cultivation introduced Crum to horticulture. Their shared involvement in this field led to the establishment of Orchid Envy, a wholesale orchid business that later expanded into a retail storefront in Venice, Florida.

The year 2013 marked a turning point in Dusty Crum’s personal life, shaped in part by Natalee McKinney’s role in motivating him to explore conservation efforts beyond their orchid business. After learning about the Florida Python Challenge, McKinney encouraged Crum to consider participating. Initially hesitant, Crum eventually embraced the idea and began preparing with the support of friends Bill Booth and Duane Clarke. This moment not only led to his eventual involvement in public conservation programs but also marked a phase in their relationship where shared environmental interests became more pronounced.

Crum’s eventual public involvement in python conservation can be traced back to this formative period, which also marked the beginning of his and McKinney’s presence in conservation events. They participated in initiatives such as the Python Expo and the 2020 Python Bowl, where they represented their shared interest in environmental advocacy. These public appearances reflected the continuity of their collaboration and the evolving public dimension of their partnership.

Although they were never legally married, Crum and McKinney were recognized as partners both personally and professionally. Their shared interest in conservation and business marked a long phase of collaboration. However, Crum’s growing commitment to fieldwork—often spending days deep in the Everglades without phone signal—meant less time at home. Over time, their paths seemed to diverge, though the reasons behind the shift in their relationship have not been publicly discussed or confirmed. By 2021, Crum had shifted to living and working primarily out of Ochopee, Florida, while McKinney remained in Myakka City with continued ties to the orchid business.

Current Partner Kim Collins: Social Media Presence and Relationship Status (2022–Present)

Since 2022, Kim Collins has maintained a visible presence in Dusty Crum’s personal life, as evidenced by her frequent appearances in his public social media posts. The two have been pictured together at various locations across Florida, including Gators’ Crossroads in Naples, The Twisted Fork in Port Charlotte, and Big Cypress National Preserve—places that recur throughout Crum’s timeline. One of the most notable public affirmations of their relationship came in December 2023, when Crum posted a birthday message from Ochopee, writing, “Happy birthday sugar darlin’ love ya,” alongside a photo of the two smiling together. The post drew more than 1,000 reactions and numerous comments, reflecting wide engagement and acknowledgment from friends and followers.

Throughout 2024, Collins continued to be a consistent figure in Crum’s updates, often appearing in informal settings such as group outings, road trips, and shared meals. While little is publicly available about her personal background, her recurring presence and tagged appearances suggest a close and ongoing companionship. As with his earlier relationship, Crum has not made formal public statements regarding the nature of their partnership, but the frequency and tone of his posts indicate a meaningful role in his current phase of life.

As of 2025, Dusty Crum is not legally married and has no publicly known children. His relationships—first with McKinney and now with Collins—reflect personal transitions that have paralleled his lifestyle in the wild. Through both companionship and solitude, Crum has continued to pursue a life defined by hands-on conservation and deep ties to Florida’s natural landscape.

Python Wildman Leather Business, Eco-Cycling, and Dusty Crum’s Net Worth

Dusty Crum’s mission extends beyond python removal. As part of his eco-cycling initiative, he launched the Python Wildman leather brand to turn invasive Burmese python skins into sustainable, high-end leather products. This unique conservation-based business includes cowboy boots, belts, handbags, wallets, and finished python leather—all handcrafted and sold directly through his website, PythonWildman.com.

His product line is priced to appeal to a broad customer base, with entry-level items such as earrings and T-shirts starting at $15 to $30, while premium items such as python-hide boots are priced around $800. Finished python leather, a specialty item, can sell for as much as $900 per foot. These prices reflect a balance of accessibility and luxury, appealing to eco-conscious consumers and collectors alike.

This direct-to-consumer e-commerce business complements Crum’s national exposure from television and allows him to connect with a broader market beyond the Florida swamps. His presence at trade expos, environmental forums, and public demonstrations reinforces his dual identity as both a conservationist and an entrepreneur.

In recent years, Crum has also expanded his entrepreneurial efforts locally. He now conducts swamp buggy tours departing from the Big Cypress Oasis Visitor Center in Ochopee, Florida, offering participants guided eco-experiences through his favorite Everglades spots. Additionally, Crum launched Wildman’s Pizza: Pasta & Pythons, a themed restaurant located in Southwest Florida, blending food service with his conservation mission. The business continues his brand message while supporting local tourism and outreach.

Notably, Crum’s early financial foundation was built during his participation in Florida’s Python Elimination Program. In 2017, for example, he earned $375 for capturing a 16-foot, 10-inch python—based on the program’s structure of $8.10 per hour, $50 for snakes over four feet, and $25 for every additional foot. That same year, Crum and fellow hunters caught an 18-foot-long python, one of the largest on record in Florida. These captures brought both financial support and national visibility to his work.

As of 2025, Dusty Crum’s estimated net worth is approximately $800,000. His income is generated through multiple streams: reality television appearances, direct merchandise sales from Python Wildman, Florida’s Python Elimination Program, speaking engagements, eco-tourism, and food service.

Overcoming Injury

Dusty Crum’s journey has not been without hardship. In November 2021, while returning from Venice after assisting a friend in moving a mechanic shop, Crum was involved in a severe car accident. A tire blowout caused the trailer to flip, sending the vehicle airborne and tumbling three times. Crum, who was a passenger, sustained life-threatening injuries to his lower right leg and knee and was airlifted to Lee Memorial Hospital for emergency care.

His condition required five surgeries within two weeks, and for over a month, he remained hospitalized. At one point, concerns were raised about the long-term viability of his leg. A GoFundMe campaign titled “Help the Wildman Get Back on his Feet” was organized by friend Joey Waves to assist with Crum’s substantial medical bills, as he was uninsured. The fundraiser garnered support from more than 200 donors, reflecting the widespread respect and admiration Crum had earned through his conservation work.

Despite the gravity of the situation, Crum’s spirit remained unbroken. Updates from his hospital bed revealed a determined recovery—he progressed through rehabilitation, relearning how to walk, climb stairs, and perform daily tasks. His journey, marked by grit, faith, and community support, served as a powerful reminder of his resilience.

Crum eventually returned to the field, continuing his work as a python hunter and public advocate for Florida’s ecosystems. His recovery not only underscored his personal strength but reinforced his role as a symbol of endurance in both environmental and personal challenges.

Dusty Crum’s Television Career

Dusty Crum’s television career developed alongside his expanding role in Florida’s conservation response to invasive Burmese pythons. He first appeared on television in 2018 through guest roles in Swamp Mysteries with Troy Landry, where his field-based python hunting methods were introduced to a national audience.

In 2019, Crum was featured as the lead in Guardians of the Glades, a Discovery Channel series that documented real-time efforts to remove pythons from the Everglades. His involvement in the show aligned with Florida’s state-sponsored eradication programs and offered insight into the daily challenges of managing invasive species.

That same year, Crum joined the cast of Swamp People during Season 10. His participation marked a shift in the series, incorporating the threat of invasive species into a show traditionally focused on alligator hunting. From 2023 to 2025, he became a regular cast member on Swamp People: Serpent Invasion, contributing to field operations and collaborative removal strategies across multiple seasons.

Early Appearances: Swamp Mysteries with Troy Landry

Dusty Crum’s on-screen career began in 2018 with his appearance in Swamp Mysteries with Troy Landry. The series explored the challenges of managing invasive species across the southeastern United States. Crum contributed as a guest snake hunter, bringing his field expertise to a national audience.

Season 10: Entry into Swamp People

Dusty Crum made his Swamp People debut in Season 10, beginning with Episode 1, “Clear and Present Danger,” which aired on January 31, 2019. While the season was still set in Louisiana and centered on alligator hunting, Crum’s presence added a fresh perspective to the series. As a conservationist known for his work combating invasive species in Florida, Crum brought environmental awareness into the storyline—connecting viewers to broader ecological issues impacting swamp ecosystems.

Throughout the season, Crum appeared in several episodes, including “Cajun Cyclone,” “Bringing the Heat,” and “Hungry for More.” These episodes showcased his adaptability, as he joined experienced swampers like Troy Landry and Terral Evans to tackle hunts under extreme weather conditions. Crum’s instinctual tracking skills, terrain-based tactics, and unconventional style—including his minimalist gear and emphasis on stealth—stood out against the more traditional hunting approaches of his peers.

In Episode 16, “Crocogator,” Crum rejoined Landry to investigate an abnormally large predator reportedly threatening the area. Though dramatized for entertainment, the episode underscored real-world concerns about shifting predator behavior and environmental imbalance—topics Crum had long addressed in his conservation work.

He was also featured in a bonus segment titled “Dusty and Troy Trade Hides,” where he and Landry discussed hide harvesting, leather quality, and the economics of turning python and gator skins into marketable goods. This behind-the-scenes moment added dimension to Crum’s role, revealing his knowledge of conservation-driven entrepreneurship and the practical reuse of invasive species.

Crum returned to Swamp People in Season 13, which aired in 2022. Although his role was limited that season, his appearance reaffirmed his position as a trusted figure in the show’s extended conservation narrative.

Headlining Guardians of the Glades

In 2019, Dusty Crum became the lead figure in Guardians of the Glades, a Discovery Channel reality series that spotlighted Florida’s intensifying battle against the invasive Burmese python. The show documented Crum and his team as they patrolled the Everglades—tracking, capturing, and removing these non-native predators under Florida’s python bounty program.

The series placed particular emphasis on the declining populations of native mammals and birds as a direct result of unchecked python predation. Crum’s minimalist, instinct-based approach—often barefoot and gear-light—became a hallmark of the series.

Guardians of the Glades aired for two seasons and concluded in 2020. Although the show was not renewed, it succeeded in raising public awareness about Florida’s python crisis and positioned Crum as a leading figure in grassroots conservation.

Dusty Crum’s Swamp People: Serpent Invasion Career (2023–2025)

In 2023, Dusty Crum joined Swamp People: Serpent Invasion, a spin-off of the History Channel’s Swamp People series. While the original series focuses on alligator hunting in Louisiana, Serpent Invasion shifts the setting to Florida’s Everglades, where hunters work to control the population of invasive Burmese pythons threatening the local ecosystem.

Crum made his debut in Season 3, which premiered on January 5, 2023, and remained an active cast member through Seasons 4 and 5, appearing in multiple episodes until February 2025. His segments frequently featured hands-on python wrangling, innovative gear modifications, and bold environmental strategies, all while navigating the Everglades’ harsh and unpredictable conditions.

Season 3: Entry and Tactical Engagement (2023)

Crum’s introduction occurred in Episode 1, “New Blood,” where he addressed python activity near his home in Ochopee, Florida. Throughout the season, he participated in high-risk removal efforts. In “The Snake Pit,” he investigated a python-infested quarry, and in “Super Snakes,” he tested a passive trap design to reduce physical strain while maximizing efficiency.

By the season finale, “The Final Battle” (aired April 27, 2023), Crum had shifted from an independent contributor to a core team member, assisting with the targeted removal of breeding females. His deep familiarity with the Everglades terrain enabled access to remote areas of high python activity.

Season 4: Innovator and Mentor (2024)

Dusty returned for Season 4 in February 2024 with expanded responsibilities. In “Python Palace”, he committed fully to an ambitious hunt in a known breeding zone, and in “No Man’s Land”, he rerouted his hunt mid-mission to assist a friend in distress. He also resumed using refurbished boats and vintage swamp gear to reach isolated areas few others dared explore.

In “Gator Gauntlet”, Crum juggled hunting with launching a side business based on swamp-bartering and Everglades-inspired items. His evolving role now blended environmental advocacy with entrepreneurship. The season finale, “Full Speed Ahead”, aired May 30, 2024, and marked a personal shift for Dusty as he said goodbye to a longtime hunting partner, signaling a turning point in his journey.

Season 5: Culinary Frontiers and Team Experiments (2025)

In Season 5, Dusty began working with fellow hunters Bruce Mitchell and Kaylyn in a collaborative effort to cover more ground. In “Desperate Measures”, he tested radical trapping methods alongside his teammates, while in “Razor’s Edge” (aired February 6, 2025), he explored culinary uses for python meat, experimenting with recipes that turned invasive threats into viable food products.

His hunts in this season emphasized tactical adaptation, terrain advantage, and alternative uses for captured snakes—moving beyond control to restoration and reuse. Dusty’s segments also highlighted physical tolls, including wading through sawgrass and enduring relentless heat, reinforcing the show’s portrayal of real-time environmental battle.

As of Season 5’s conclusion in February 2025, Dusty Crum had not only maintained his reputation as a top python hunter but also cemented his role as a committed conservationist. His barefoot approach, swamp-crafted tools, and efforts to repurpose invasive species underscored a mission rooted in protecting Florida’s natural habitats.

Traits, Symbolism, and Identity

Standing approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall with brown hair and blue eyes, Crum’s physical presence reflects his rugged lifestyle. He prefers to hunt barefoot and often goes without gloves, a testament to his trust in instinct and experience. Tattoos on his body speak to his personal journey and values.

Crum identifies as a Taurus—a sign traditionally associated with persistence, resilience, and loyalty—all characteristics evident in his life’s work.

Dusty Crum: Quick Wiki Biography Facts

Full Name	Dustin “Dusty” Crum
Nickname	The Wildman
Date of Birth	May 31, 1980
Age (as of 2025)	44 years old
Birthplace	Sarasota County, Florida, USA
Current Residence	Ochopee, Florida
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	Caucasian
Height	Approx. 5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
Eye Color	Blue
Hair Color	Brown (often grown long with a beard)
Zodiac Sign	Taurus
Education	Sarasota High School
Occupations	Python Hunter, Conservationist, Eco-entrepreneur, TV Personality
Years Active	2013–present (Python hunting), 2018–present (TV career)
TV Appearances	Swamp Mysteries with Troy Landry, Guardians of the Glades, Swamp People, Swamp People: Serpent Invasion
Business Ventures	Python Wildman Leather Goods, Wildman’s Pizza, Swamp Buggy Tours
Partner (2025)	Kim Collins
Former Partner	Natalee McKinney (Orchid Envy co-founder)
Marital Status	Not legally married
Children	None publicly known
Injury & Recovery	Survived major leg injury from 2021 car accident (5 surgeries)
Estimated Net Worth	~$800,000 (as of 2025)
Pizza Location	Wildman’s Pizza, Southwest Florida (Pasta & Pythons Theme)
Tour Location	Big Cypress Oasis Visitor Center, Ochopee, FL
Signature Traits	Barefoot hunting, eco-cycling, python conservation outreach
Famous For	Leading python bounty efforts, handcrafted python leather, media advocacy for Florida Everglades