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Snake enthusiast Taylor Stanberry catches a historical 60 reptiles to clinch Florida's 2025 Python Challenge victory

Woman triumphs as Python Challenge victor, slaying numerous invasive snakes; first female competitor to achieve win and shatter records.

Taylor Stanberry catches a remarkable 60 snakes, clinching victory in Florida's 2025 Python...
Taylor Stanberry catches a remarkable 60 snakes, clinching victory in Florida's 2025 Python Challenge

Snake enthusiast Taylor Stanberry catches a historical 60 reptiles to clinch Florida's 2025 Python Challenge victory

In the heart of Florida's Everglades, a historic moment was made as Taylor Stanberry, a professional python hunter from the Sunshine State, emerged victorious in the 2025 Florida Python Challenge. Over a 10-day period, Stanberry successfully captured 60 invasive Burmese pythons, breaking all records and earning the coveted $10,000 grand prize[1][3].

This marked the first time a woman has won the grand prize in the history of the challenge[1]. With over a decade of experience as a state-contracted python remover, Stanberry's significant achievement contributes to efforts to protect Florida's native wildlife and ecosystems from the damage caused by these invasive snakes[1][3].

Stanberry and her husband also run an exotic animal sanctuary, and she plans to use the prize money to expand their sanctuary[1]. The competition saw a total of 294 pythons removed, highlighting the strong citizen engagement in addressing this environmental challenge[1][3].

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and other partners supported the competition, which was led by Governor Ron DeSantis[3]. The Chairman of the FWC stated that the 2025 Florida Python Challenge was a success[3]. Officials praised the dedication of all participants and emphasized the importance of such efforts to conserve the Everglades and native species[3].

During the competition, Stanberry hunted pythons daily from sundown to sunup[3]. She expressed her goal was to save native species in Florida and win the competition[3]. The challenge required participants to trap and humanely kill each snake[3].

Stanberry, the first female Ultimate Grand Prize Winner, emphasized the hard work of other hunters, including female contractors, in the fight against these invasive species[3]. She also acknowledged the support of Governor DeSantis and the FWC in their continued efforts to protect Florida's wildlife[3].

Sources: [1] Florida Today [3] The Palm Beach Post

The win by Taylor Stanberry, the first woman to secure the grand prize in the Florida Python Challenge, not only broke records with her capture of 60 invasive Burmese pythons but also contributes to the protection of the world's wildlife, particularly in the United States, as part of efforts to save Florida's native species. Her prize money from the competition will be used to expand her and her husband's exotic animal sanctuary, promoting the well-being of various sports animals.

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