FWC 2025 Python Challenge concludes with 294 pythons removed

FLORIDA — The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s 2025 Python Challenge has come to an end, as the organization raised awareness about invasive species of wildlife.

Participants in this year’s 10-day competition removed a record 294 invasive Burmese pythons from the South Florida region, officials said. Contestant Taylor Stanbury received a grand prize of $10,000 for removing 60 pythons.

View the list of winners from other categories below:

Longest python, Novice (15 feet, 11 inches) – Michael Marousky
Longest python, Professional (9 feet, 8 inches) – Kennith Chamberland
Longest python, Military (11 feet, 2 inches) – Jonathan Miller
Most pythons, Novice (14) – Krista Hoekstra
Most pythons, Professional (56) – Donna Kalil
Most pythons, Military (5) – John Southworth
Runner-up, most pythons, Novice (7) – Kymberly Clark
Runner-up, most pythons, Professional (22) – Hannah Gray
Runner-up, most pythons, Military (3) – Matthew Jamison

Florida residents who missed this year’s challenge can still participate in removing or reporting Burmese pythons. Visit FWC’s website for additional information.