The annual Florida Python Challenge has slithered to its conclusion, with professionally-categorized python purger Ronald Kiger crowned its victor after removing 20 Burmese pythons from the Florida Everglades. The commission revealed 195 Burmese pythons were successfully removed from the wild during the challenge. The hunt is designed to bring awareness to the invasive threat of the Burmese python species in Florida. These snakes are found primarily in and around the Everglades ecosystem in South Florida, where they prey on birds, mammals and other reptiles. Burmese pythons can spread diseases amongst native animals, affect native snakes and have high mercury levels that are dangerous for human consumption.

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Persons: Ronald Kiger, Kiger, Donna Kalil, ”, Ron ” Bergeron Organizations: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Water Management District, Kiger, Florida Water Management Locations: Florida, Duck, Canada, South Florida