In a feat that stunned spectators and terrified reptiles alike, Stanberry single-handedly captured the $10,000 top prize at the 2025 Florida Python Challenge after eliminating more invasive snakes than anyone else—60 in total. Across the state, 294 pythons met their match, but none faced a foe quite like Stanberry.

This year’s competition marked a historic expansion: for the first time, Everglades National Park was officially part of the hunting grounds. Officials say the addition made the contest “more dangerous, more grueling, and way more epic.” Stanberry, however, treated it like another day at the office—if your office involves dodging constrictors in knee-deep swamp water.

“Every python I remove is one less threat to Florida’s native wildlife,” Stanberry said, striking a pose with a 17-footer slung across her shoulders like an Olympic gold medal. “Also, they’re not exactly cuddly.”

Wildlife experts hail her victory as a critical blow to the python invasion, which has been wreaking havoc on the Everglades ecosystem for decades. “Taylor’s not just a competitor,” said Dr. Miguel Alvarez, herpetologist and unofficial sidekick. “She’s a one-woman army. If pythons had wanted posters, her face would be on all of them.”

As the sun set over the swamp and the last python was bagged, whispers rippled through the crowd—was this just the beginning? Could “The Everglades Avenger” return next year to defend her title, or will her next mission take her to even more dangerous frontiers?

One thing’s certain:
Florida may have alligators, hurricanes, and mosquitoes the size of hummingbirds…
…but now it also has Taylor Stanberry, the hero the Everglades didn’t know it needed.