A Woman Emerges Victorious in the 2025 Florida Python Challenge by Removing the Most Snakes
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In the latest edition of the annual Florida Python Challenge, a remarkable woman has claimed the top prize after successfully removing 60 invasive snakes from the Everglades within just 10 days. The fierce competition saw a total of 934 participants hailing from 30 states and Canada, vying to eliminate the highest number of pythons infesting the Florida Everglades.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission proudly announced the winner of this year’s challenge, which witnessed a record-breaking removal of 294 invasive Burmese pythons from the wilderness. The event, aimed at reducing the population of these pythons in the Everglades and safeguarding the native wildlife, drew a crowd of enthusiastic hunters eager to make a difference.
Taylor Stanberry stood out as the grand-prize recipient of this year’s challenge, gaining both recognition and a cash reward of $10,000 for her outstanding achievement. A self-proclaimed “venomous keeper” and “relocator,” Stanberry has earned the title of the “new queen of the Everglades,” as per her Instagram profile.
Acknowledging the significance of Stanberry’s contribution, FWC chairman, Rodney Barreto, highlighted the positive impact of removing a substantial number of invasive pythons on the native wildlife in the region. With a total of over 1,400 pythons eradicated during all Florida Python Challenge events till date, and more than 16,000 pythons eliminated by FWC and South Florida Water Management District contractors since 2017, concerted efforts continue to be crucial in combating the threats posed by Burmese pythons to Florida’s ecosystem.
Pedro Ramos, superintendent of Everglades National Park, emphasized the importance of citizen engagement in addressing the challenge of invasive exotic species of animals and plants. The overwhelming participation in the challenge underscored the community’s commitment to tackling this vital conservation issue collectively.
Alongside Stanberry’s triumph, numerous other participants were also recognised for their efforts in catching a substantial number of pythons, with prizes awarded for capturing the “longest” snake as well. The Burmese pythons, originally native to Asia, are believed to have infiltrated the wild due to the exotic pet trade, posing a grave threat to the local biodiversity.
Since the year 2000, over 23,000 pythons have been captured and removed from the Everglades, signifying a significant endeavour in conservation. To partake in the challenge, participants had to undergo mandatory online training and adhere to humane methods of python elimination, barring the use of firearms, dogs, or other animals.
Roger Young, FWC executive director, expressed gratitude for the invaluable support and collaboration of partners at the South Florida Water Management District and the National Park Service in organising the challenge successfully. This year’s addition of Everglades National Park as an official Python Challenge competition location not only provided an exciting opportunity for participants but also raised public awareness regarding the issue of invasive Burmese pythons.
In a bid to address conservation challenges and protect the delicate balance of Florida’s ecosystem, such initiatives serve as a beacon of hope, rallying the community towards a common goal. With each python removed, the Everglades ecosystem takes a step towards restoration, allowing native wildlife to thrive once more.
In a world grappling with environmental threats and biodiversity loss, the 2025 Florida Python Challenge stands as a testament to the power of collective action and individual dedication in safeguarding our natural world. As Taylor Stanberry and her fellow participants demonstrate, every effort counts in preserving the beauty and diversity of our planet’s ecosystems.