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.

The winner of the Florida Python Challenge removed 20 Burmese pythons from the Everglades. Ronald Kiger was announced as the winner on Tuesday and will take home the $10,000 grand prize. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission awards about $25,