State officials have encouraged the capture and humane killing of Burmese pythons since the non-native species took root in south Florida and began to proliferate in the Everglades, with few natural predators to curb their population growth.

Ronald Kiger, who caught 20 Burmese pythons, won $10,000. Donna Kalil got a $2,500 prize for catching 19 snakes.

Florida Python Challenge has slithered to its conclusion, with professionally categorized python purger Ronald Kiger crowned its victor after he removed 20 Burmese pythons from the Florida Everglades.