Taylor Stanberry has won first place in the 2025 Florida Python Challenge after capturing 60 Burmese pythons. These snakes are considered invasive and dangerous to Florida’s wildlife. Her achievement earned her the $10,000 grand prize, as announced by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
The event, held over 10 days, attracted 934 participants from 30 U.S. states and Canada. Competitors set a new record by removing a total of 294 pythons from the wild. The Florida Python Challenge is part of the state’s ongoing effort to reduce the population of Burmese pythons and protect native species.
Stanberry, who lives in Naples, Florida, with her husband, Rhett, also runs social media pages dedicated to snakes and hunting. She credited her win to experience, patience, and knowledge of python behavior.
Ron Bergeron, a member of the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) board, explained that Burmese pythons can grow up to 20 feet long and weigh as much as 200 pounds. He warned that the snakes disrupt the natural food chain by preying on native mammals, birds, and reptiles.
The FWC launched the Florida Python Challenge to raise public awareness of the threat posed by these invasive snakes. By encouraging hunters to remove them, the program helps protect Florida’s delicate ecosystem.
Burmese pythons, originally from Southeast Asia, were introduced to Florida through the pet trade. Over time, released or escaped pythons multiplied, establishing a large population in the Everglades. Their presence continues to be a serious challenge for wildlife conservationists.
Stanberry’s win not only highlights the success of the competition but also the importance of active efforts to control invasive species. Officials hope that similar events will keep reducing the numbers of Burmese pythons in Florida’s wetlands.
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