UPDATE: In a stunning victory, Taylor Stanberry has been crowned the champion of the 2025 Florida Python Challenge, capturing 60 Burmese pythons and winning $10,000. This urgent conservation event, which took place from July 5 to July 15, 2025, in the Everglades, aims to combat the invasive python population threatening native wildlife.
Stanberry, a seasoned snake hunter and government contractor, faced unique challenges during the intense 10-day competition. Participants were tasked with capturing as many pythons as possible, and the stakes were high as they battled extreme heat and competition from other hunters. “I was in town during the Python Challenge this year and thought, ‘Hey, why not?’” Stanberry said.
The competition was fierce, with hunters operating primarily at night due to the sweltering daytime temperatures. Stanberry described conditions where nighttime temperatures hovered between 87 and 92 degrees with high humidity, making hydration crucial. “I bring lots of water because you get dehydrated fast when you’re hiking and sweating,” she noted.
The challenge culminated in a dramatic final night, where Stanberry and her husband cruised the roads of the Everglades, exhausted but determined. “After about 13 hours of hunting, we had seven more pythons in the bag!” she recalled. The couple faced not only the challenge of capturing snakes but also navigating the dangers of distracted drivers on crowded roads.
During the competition, Stanberry encountered various obstacles, including being bitten by pythons. “The smaller pythons are very whippy,” she explained. “It was my fault. I grabbed it mid-body instead of just behind the head.” Despite the bites, she remained undeterred, reflecting on the importance of the hunt.
“This competition isn’t just about the thrill; it’s about saving the native wildlife and the Everglades,” Stanberry emphasized. Each captured python is euthanized humanely, a necessary step to control the invasive species. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) employs professionals year-round for python removal, underscoring the ongoing battle against these reptiles.
On the final day of the competition, Stanberry was surprised to learn she had won. “I didn’t even know I’d won until I was on the podium,” she stated. Her victory is particularly noteworthy as she is the first female to win the ultimate grand prize. The prize money will support her rescue work, where she cares for animals and promotes conservation efforts.
The Florida Python Challenge continues to draw attention, attracting participants from across the nation. As the invasive python population remains a pressing issue, Stanberry’s story highlights the need for ongoing awareness and action.
Officials urge the public to understand the significance of these efforts, emphasizing that while complete eradication may not be possible, every captured python contributes to the preservation of Florida’s native species.
Stay tuned for further updates on conservation efforts and the ongoing impact of the Florida Python Challenge.
