Latest news with #Stanberry
USA Today
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
‘Swamp Queen' sets record in Python Challenge debut
Not only did Taylor Stanberry become the first woman to win the Florida Python Challenge, but she did it in record style while making her debut in the event. The Python Challenge has been staged annually since 2013 as a means of raising awareness about the invasive species and removing them from the South Florida ecosystem. This year, the 10-day competition drew 934 participants from 30 states and Canada, and they combined to remove a record 294 Burmese pythons from South Florida, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Stanberry alone removed more than 20 percent of that total, catching a record 60 pythons to capture the $10,000 Ultimate Grand Prize. The Gulf Coast News called Stanberry the Swamp Queen in its report of the event posted on YouTube. 'This is not about trophy hunting or just killing pythons because it's fun or whatever, I actually want to save the native wildlife,' Stanberry told Gulf Coast News. Stanberry plans to use her financial prize on growing her exotic animal sanctuary in South Florida. 'The record number of pythons removed highlights the importance of citizen engagement as we tackle one of the toughest conservation challenges of our time, invasive exotic species of animals and plants,' said Pedro Ramos, superintendent of Everglades National Park. 'By collaborating closely with our partners at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the South Florida Water Management District, we are making meaningful progress toward preserving the Everglades and its diverse wildlife for generations to come." 'Burmese pythons are not native to Florida and negatively impact native species,' the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission wrote. 'They are found primarily in and around the Everglades ecosystem in south Florida, where they prey on birds, mammals and other reptiles. A female Burmese python can lay 50 to 100 eggs at a time. Since the year 2000, more than 23,000 wild Burmese pythons have been removed from the state of Florida and reported to the FWC.' Women took five of the top seven spots in the challenge. After Stanberry's Ultimate Grand Prize, Donna Kalil received $2,500 for the most pythons taken in the professional category with 56 followed by the runner-up Hannah Gray with 22 pythons for $1,500. Krista Hoekstra took the top prize of $2,500 in the novice category, taking 14 pythons followed by the runner-up Kymberly Clark with seven for $1,500. In the novice division, Michael Marousky won the longest python prize of $1,000 for a 15-foot, 11-inch python he brought in. In the military division of active duty and veterans, John Southworth (Army) won $2,500 for the most pythons with five with Matthew Jamison (Air Force) taking home $1,500 as the runner-up with three. The longest was 11 feet, 2 inches brought in by Jonathon Miller (Air Force), good for $1,000.
Miami Herald
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Snake-wrangling YouTuber hunts down 60 invasive pythons for Florida competition
On an island in the middle of the Florida Everglades, Taylor Stanberry — mostly nocturnal in the summer catching Burmese pythons — uncovered a wriggling nest of 30 baby pythons. The discovery helped the Naples resident land first place in the 2025 Florida Python Challenge, which drew 934 hunters competing to make a dent in the state's invasive Burmese python population, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced Aug. 13. 'I've been catching pythons for 11 years, so it kind of gets to be just like another day in the office,' Stanberry told McClatchy News on Aug. 15. 'But it is always fun actually finding fresh babies along with the eggs, because that is such a hard thing to do.' The competitors estimated that the timing of this year's contest, which ran July 11 to 20, and the discovery of the nests helped bolster the removal numbers. Last year, the first place winner caught 20 pythons during the contest, which was held nearly a month later than this year's, McClatchy News reported last September. This year's competitors hauled in a record 294 snakes, with 40% of those coming from two women alone. Stanberry is one and Donna Kalil is the other, winning the most pythons prize in the professional category with 56 snakes, beating her 19 pythons from last year. 'Being the first female ultimate grand prize winner is a huge honor, because I know the other women that competed are awesome, like Donna won first place in a professional category,' Stanberry said. Stanberry and her husband have a large following on YouTube and social media, where they showcase their encounters with wildlife in Florida and around the world, mostly focusing on snakes. They also run a wildlife sanctuary with over 150 venomous snakes, and relocate venomous snakes in southwest Florida, Stanberry said. 'Me and my husband especially, we try to work really hard on saving wildlife and educating people on wildlife. So finally getting some recognition on the hard work that we've been doing means a lot,' said Stanberry, who took home a $10,000 prize for first place. Stanberry and her husband make educational videos about snakes to help reduce the creatures' bad reputation. Their YouTube channel has nearly 230,000 subscribers. In one YouTube video, Stanberry holds a venomous coral snake, explaining the differences between the species and other similar-looking snakes. In another video, she pulls a rattlesnake out of a pool with a snake hook. 'So it's really about just educating people that snakes really aren't bad,' she said. 'That's one thing I hate about the hunting of the pythons, in a sense, that everyone's just like, 'yeah, kill the snakes.' I'm like, 'No, it's not about killing snakes. It's about saving the other snakes.'' Burmese pythons, one of the largest snake species in the world, currently run unchecked in the Everglades with few natural predators, FWC biologists say. Pythons aren't picky about what they eat either, feasting on 'mammals, birds, reptiles and protected species such as the federally designated threatened wood stork and the federally-designated endangered Key Largo woodrat,' according to the FWC. 'Burmese pythons can consume meals equivalent to 100% their body mass.' Stanberry's desire to help native wildlife drives her to even become partly nocturnal during the summer months, when python hunting is only possible at night. Stanberry and her husband, and sometimes friends who like to come along, will brave the heat and bugs and hike out into the swamp, drive out to trails in a vehicle, take electric bikes or motor around in a johnboat looking for the invasive species. When Stanberry goes out looking for pythons, she said she also enjoys seeing other native wildlife like alligators, owls and snakes. 'So then that really motivates you, especially when you're in a rural area and you see bobcats and you know, they're the perfect python meal size,' she said. 'So it's like, OK, we gotta capture the pythons so we can continue to see all of this wildlife.' Other winners of this year's tournament include Michael Marousky, who took home the longest python prize with a 15-foot, 11-inch catch. Others caught pythons measuring 9 feet and 11 feet. 'I just want people to hunt pythons for the right reason,' Stanberry said. 'Don't do it just because it's fun to catch a big snake and kill it, you know, because that's not why I do it. It's really just about saving native wildlife and helping lower the python population.'
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Florida's new python hunting queen makes history and catches 60 snakes
A Florida woman caught 60 snakes in the state's annual 10-day challenge to eliminate the invasive Burmese python species wreaking havoc with the Everglades ecosystem. More than 900 people participated in the 2025 Python Challenge, a 10-day hunt in the steamy South Florida heat that this year made history on two fronts with the first woman to win the grand prize and the most total snakes caught since the competition began in 2013. Taylor Stanberry, a 29-year-old Naples resident, was introduced as the 2025 Florida Python Challenge winner on Aug. 13. At 4-feet, 11-inches tall, Stanberry is taking home the grand prize of $10,000 for catching 60 snakes. She is the first woman to win the grand prize in Florida's Python Challenge. Overall, the catches were also monumental this year with 294 pythons captured – the most in the contest's history. The contest brings together amateur and professional snake-catchers to hunt within certain zones of south Florida for the pythons, which threaten the state's ecology and are found in the Everglades, preying on birds, mammals and other reptiles. Challengers must capture and humanely kill the pythons and not harm any native species. Stanberry eliminated 33 female pythons and 27 males. The longest snake she caught was just over 9 feet and weighed about 16 pounds. "Every invasive python removed is a win," said Sarah Funk, nonnative fish and wildlife program coordinator with the Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission. At least one participant noted that the July dates for the hunt lined up with new hatchlings swarming the southern wetlands, which provided plenty of opportunities for hunters. Donna Kalil, a contract hunter for the South Florida Water Management District, nabbed 56 snakes during the Python Challenge between July 11 and July 20. She brought in 19 during the 2024 contest when the event was held Aug. 9 through Aug. 18. The grand prize winner last year nabbed 20 snakes. "It's all because of the timing," said Kalil, who won $2,500 this year for catching the most snakes in the professional category of the challenge. "There were a lot of little baby snakes just getting out of the nest. Some had already had a meal. They come out and are ready to eat." Burmese python breed in the late winter to early spring with females laying clutches of eggs in March or April. The incubation period lasts between 60 to 90 days. Hatchlings can be up to two feet long, which is a lot of what Kalil said she caught. Her longest snake measured 5 feet, 5 inches. Last year she brought in a 12-footer. "All I got was little guys," she said. Stanberry, of Naples, is a contract hunter with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. She said she has been hunting pythons for 10 years but this was the first year she entered the challenge. Her Facebook profile says she is a digital creator with an exotic animal sanctuary. "There are so many amazing female python hunters out there so I had some tough competition," Stanberry said after leaving the Aug. 13 FWC Commission meeting where the results were announced. Stanberry said most of her catches were babies, but she did nab one that she said was between 9.5 and 10 feet long. While this year's participation is higher than 2024, the number of hunters has fluctuated over the years from a high of nearly 1,600 in 2013 to just 600 during the early pandemic year of 2021. Participants hunted in designated areas that stretch from western Palm Beach County to the Tamiami Trail in the Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area. Other management areas included in the Python Challenge are Holey Land, Rotenberger and Southern Glades. This was also the first year that Everglades National Park allowed people to hunt in the park during the challenge. What are the prizes for the Florida Python Challenge? The $10,000 grand prize is awarded to the participant who removes the most snakes as part of the competition. There are also three competition categories including professional, novice and military. Each category includes a $2,500 price for most pythons caught, $1,500 for the second-highest number of pythons caught and $1,000 for the longest python. Participants may only win one prize, so if someone wins two, the person will be awarded the prize of the highest value and the next qualifying hunter will win the remaining prize. Why hunt Burmese pythons? Florida earnestly began hunting pythons in about 2012. It was the first year of the Python Challenge and the same year a study in Everglades National Park suggested pythons were responsible for a decline of 85% to 100% of the population of medium-sized furry animals, such as raccoons and rabbits. The Burmese python invasion started with releases – intentional or not – that allowed them to gain a foothold in the park by the mid-1980s, according to the 2021 Florida Python Control plan. By 2000, multiple generations of pythons were living in the park, which is noted in a more than 100-page 2023 report that summarized decades of python research. How many pythons have been caught? More than 15,800 snakes have been removed by hunters from the South Florida Water Management District and FWC since 2019. The hunters were called the "most effective management strategy in the history of the issue" by district invasive animal biologist Mike Kirkland. Kimberly Miller is a journalist for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Network of Florida. She covers real estate, weather, and the environment.
Time of India
5 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Record-breaking python hunt: Florida woman wins grand prize for removing massive number of pythons
A Florida woman has won the 2025 Florida Python Challenge after removing 60 invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades, winning the grand prize of $10,000. Taylor Stanberry outperformed 934 participants from 30 U.S. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now states and Canada in a 10-day competition aimed at controlling the spread of this dangerous species. The event, held from July 11 to 20, saw a record 294 pythons removed from the wild, highlighting both the scale of the infestation and the critical role of citizen engagement in conservation. Officials described Stanberry's achievement as a major win for Florida's native wildlife. Taylor Stanberry's record-breaking python achievement Taylor Stanberry, a Naples resident and self-described 'venomous keeper' and 'relocator,' captured 60 pythons during the challenge, more than any other participant. Known as the 'new queen of the Everglades,' she demonstrated exceptional skill and patience, contributing significantly to efforts to curb the Burmese python population in Florida. Burmese pythons are highly adaptable and can lay 50–100 eggs at a time, making them a persistent threat to the Everglades' delicate ecosystem. Her accomplishment underscores how individual action can make a measurable difference in wildlife conservation and sets a high benchmark for future competitors. The Florida Python Challenge : purpose and participation The Florida Python Challenge is an annual event organized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to reduce the number of invasive pythons and raise public awareness about their impact on native ecosystems. This year, 934 participants competed across eight official locations, including Everglades National Park, to capture the most pythons within the 10-day window. Participants must complete online training and adhere to humane python-killing guidelines. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Firearms, dogs, or other animals are not permitted, emphasizing safe and responsible removal. Conservation impact and community engagement The record removal of 294 pythons in 2025 represents a milestone in ongoing conservation efforts. FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto noted, 'With over 1,400 pythons removed during all Florida Python Challenge events to date and over 16,000 pythons removed by FWC and South Florida Water Management District contractors since 2017, collective efforts are the key to continuing to address the threats Burmese pythons pose to Florida's native wildlife and ecosystems. ' Pedro Ramos, superintendent of Everglades National Park, added that the challenge highlighted the importance of citizen participation in tackling invasive species. Understanding the threat of Burmese pythons Burmese pythons are native to Southeast Asia but have become one of Florida's most notorious invasive species due to the exotic pet trade. Their rapid reproduction and adaptability threaten the natural food chain in the Everglades, impacting native species and the overall ecosystem. Since 2000, over 23,000 pythons have been removed from the wild, but the challenge continues to play a crucial role in controlling their population. The annual event educates the public about the ecological risks and encourages responsible participation in wildlife management. Other competition highlights Aside from the grand prize winner, participants competed in various categories, including the 'longest python' captured. Taylor Stanberry's success has brought additional attention to the Python Challenge, inspiring new participants and emphasizing the importance of collaboration with partners like the South Florida Water Management District and the National Park Service. The inclusion of Everglades National Park as an official competition site this year provided both a new challenge and an opportunity to raise public awareness about the ongoing threat posed by invasive Burmese pythons.
Time of India
5 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Florida woman captures 60 pythons to win $10,000 in record-breaking challenge
Source: X/@MyFWC In this year's Florida Python Challenge, one woman reigned supreme, snaring 60 invasive Burmese pythons and walking away with the $10,000 Ultimate Grand Prize, the largest haul ever recorded in the competition. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) confirmed that the 10-day event capped off a record-breaking removal of 294 pythons, thanks to the hard work of 934 participants from 30 states and Canada. This marks the first year that Everglades National Park was listed among the eight official competition locations, expanding both the reach and visibility of the challenge. A victory for conservation and public awareness Source: X/@MyFWC Taylor Stanberry, a resident of Naples, Florida, overcame immense odds to become the top participant of the 2025 Python Challenge. The FWC announced that Stanberry removed 60 pythons, earning her the Ultimate Grand Prize of $10,000. A Naples local, Stanberry describes herself online as a 'venomous keeper' and 'venomous relocator'. FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto emphasized the impact of this year's results: 'The record number of invasive pythons removed from the Everglades during this year's competition is a big win for native wildlife.' He added that since 2017, more than 16,000 pythons have been removed by FWC and South Florida Water Management District contractors. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The Florida Python Challenge isn't just about prizes—it's also a tool for public education and habitat protection. South Florida Water Management District board member 'Alligator Ron' Bergeron shared: 'Under the leadership of the FWC, we started the Python Challenge' to combat the threat of pythons, which 'can get 20 feet long and weigh 200 pounds' and are 'destroying the natural food chain.' He also noted, 'The Python Challenge is not just catching pythons ... it's educating the public so that when you're in the Everglades ... learn how to remove a python safely year-round' According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), female Burmese pythons can lay between 50 and 100 eggs at a time, allowing them to spread rapidly. The reptiles, native to Asia, are believed to have entered the wild largely through the exotic pet trade. CBS News reports that more pythons were released into the Everglades in 1992, when Hurricane Andrew allegedly destroyed a facility holding captive pythons. FWC data shows that since 2000, more than 23,000 pythons have been captured and removed from the Everglades.
