The 2025 Florida Python Challenge came to a thrilling close when Taylor Stanberry of Naples claimed the $10,000 Ultimate Grand Prize, after removing an astounding 60 Burmese pythons over the 10-day hunt. That haul helped drive this year’s event to a record-breaking total of 294 snakes removed from the Everglades.
More than 934 participants from 30 U.S. states and Canada joined the competition, held from July 11 to July 20, at eight official locations — including, for the first time, Everglades National Park. This year’s turnout eclipsed last year’s 857 hunters and 195 snakes captured.
A Snake-Wrangling Feat
Stanberry’s sheer determination propelled her to the top. Her 60-snake total dwarfed 2024’s grand prize win of just 20 captured snakes. She and her husband Rhett run a social-media channel dedicated to snake hunting on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, where their followers watched her progress throughout the challenge.
Here’s how this year’s results stacked up:
| Category | Winner | Snakes Caught | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Grand Prize | Taylor Stanberry | 60 | Record haul, $10,000 prize |
| Professional (2nd) | Donna Kalil | 56 | Runner-up professional |
| Novice | Krista Hoekstra | 14 | Top novice contender |
| Military | John Southworth | 5 | Top military category |
| Longest Python (Novice) | Michael Marousky | 15 ft 11 in | Longest captured overall |
| Longest (Military) | Jonathan Miller | 11 ft 2 in | Military category record |
| Longest (Professional) | Kennith Chamberland | 9 ft 8 in | Pro category longest |
A Win for Wildlife
Florida wildlife officials rejoiced at the results. More than 23,500 pythons have been removed statewide since 2000, and the aggressive push since 2017 has made this year’s results especially significant. Leaders said the record numbers represent a major win for native wildlife and reinforce how community effort can help protect Florida’s delicate ecosystems.
The Python Challenge also serves as an important public education tool. Organizers emphasized the need for the public to understand the threats posed by invasive species and the role every resident can play in protecting the Everglades.
Hunting Rules & Locations
Participants paid a $25 registration fee, completed mandatory online training, and followed strict rules:
- No firearms, dogs, traps, or motorized gear allowed
- Snakes had to be humanely euthanized on site
- Carcasses and capture data were submitted for verification
This year’s hunt spanned eight locations, including:
- Everglades National Park (new in 2025)
- Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area
- Southern Glades Wildlife and Environmental Area
- Frog Pond North
- Holey Land
- Rocky Glades
- Rotenberger Wildlife Management Area
The addition of Everglades National Park sparked excitement — it was the first time the iconic park opened its lands to the challenge, offering fresh hunting grounds for competitors.
Citizen Conservation Year-Round
Efforts to remove pythons extend beyond the contest. Hunters like Donna Kalil, a contracted python removal expert, work year-round capturing snakes for state programs. In the months leading up to the challenge, individual hunters collectively removed dozens of snakes, reducing pressure on native species.
These ongoing efforts remain critical. Some estimates suggest tens of thousands of Burmese pythons still roam South Florida. As top predators with no natural enemies in the region, they pose a major threat to birds, mammals, and even alligators. Each capture makes a difference in restoring balance to the ecosystem.
The Bigger Picture
The Burmese python problem in Florida began decades ago, likely fueled by the exotic pet trade. Escaped or released snakes established breeding populations in the wild, thriving in the warm, wet climate of the Everglades. Their rapid reproduction and voracious appetite have devastated populations of native animals, from rabbits to wading birds.
Events like the Python Challenge not only remove large numbers of snakes in a short period, they also keep the issue in the public eye. The combination of public participation, professional removal contracts, and habitat management forms the backbone of Florida’s fight against these invaders.
Final Thoughts
Taylor Stanberry’s 60-snake haul stands as both a personal triumph and a symbol of what can be achieved when passionate individuals work toward a shared goal. With record turnout, expanded hunting grounds, and an impressive total removal count, 2025 has set the bar high for future challenges. Have thoughts on this year’s contest or tips for next year’s hunters? Share them in the comments — your voice is part of the solution.