In a remarkable feat of dedication and skill, Taylor Stanberry, a 29-year-old contract hunter, has made history by winning the 2026 Florida Python Challenge. Over the course of 10 intense days, Stanberry captured an astonishing 60 Burmese pythons, securing her victory and making her the first woman to claim the grand prize in the annual event.
The Florida Python Challenge, organized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, drew over 900 participants this year. The competition aims to reduce the population of invasive Burmese pythons that have been wreaking havoc on the Everglades ecosystem. Stanberry’s impressive haul not only earned her the $10,000 top prize but also set a new standard for future competitors.
The Challenge and Its Significance
The 2026 Florida Python Challenge was a significant event, with participants from various backgrounds, including amateurs, professionals, and military personnel. The competition took place in designated zones across South Florida, including areas like western Palm Beach County and the Tamiami Trail in Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area. This year marked the first time that Everglades National Park allowed hunting during the challenge.
Participants were required to capture the snakes humanely and avoid harming native wildlife. The contest featured different divisions, with prizes awarded for the most snakes caught and the longest python. In total, competitors removed 294 pythons, the highest number since the contest began in 2013.
The Impact of Invasive Pythons
Burmese pythons are an invasive species that have caused significant damage to the Everglades ecosystem. These large constrictors prey on birds, mammals, and reptiles native to the region, disrupting the delicate balance of the food web. Studies have shown that the presence of pythons has led to an 85% to 100% decline in medium-sized furry animals, such as raccoons and rabbits.
A healthier Everglades is crucial for supporting wildlife, outdoor recreation, and the natural systems that South florida communities depend on. The annual challenge is one of the most visible efforts to control the python population, but it is part of a broader strategy that includes year-round removal programs.
Stanberry’s Journey and Future Efforts
Taylor Stanberry has been hunting pythons for a decade, but this was her first time entering the challenge. Of the snakes she removed, 33 were female, and 27 were male, with the largest measuring about 9.5 to 10 feet long. Her success can be attributed to her extensive experience and the strategic timing of the challenge, which coincided with the hatching season of baby pythons.
Donna Kalil, another experienced hunter, caught 56 snakes to win the professional category. Kalil noted that the timing of the challenge was crucial, as it allowed hunters to target young snakes that had just left their nests. This strategic approach is essential for reducing the python population effectively.
Since 2019, hunters working with the South Florida Water Management District and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission have removed more than 15,800 pythons from South Florida. Every invasive python removed is a win for the ecosystem, and efforts like the Florida Python Challenge play a vital role in this ongoing battle.
