Taylor Stanberry: The Trailblazing Snake Wrangler Who Captured 60 Pythons and Changed Wildlife Conservation

Introduction

Taylor Stanberry is making headlines—and capturing pythons—quite literally. As a venomous keeper, snake wrangler, and social media influencer, she recently made history by becoming the first woman to win Florida’s renowned Python Challenge. In just ten days, she courageously removed 60 Burmese pythons from the Everglades, securing the $10,000 grand prize and drawing attention to the growing issue of invasive species in the Sunshine State. But there’s so much more to Taylor than just this headline-making feat.

This blog dives into her background, her work in reptile rescue, her YouTube and Instagram presence, and her broader impact on wildlife conservation. You’ll also find easy-to-read subheadings, bullet points, numbered lists, and an FAQ section to wrap it all up.

Who Is Taylor Stanberry?

Taylor Stanberry, based in Naples, Florida, is a respected venomous keeper and snake relocator. She co-owns an exotic animal sanctuary with her husband Rhett. Their mission? To safely remove, rescue, and rehabilitate wild and escaped snakes, including pythons and other reptiles, from residential and natural areas in South Florida.FOX 13 Tampa BayPeople.com

Her efforts have gained traction on Instagram—with over 63,000 followers—where she shares her day-to-day work and wildlife conservation messages.Linktree Together with Rhett, she runs the popular YouTube channel Tobie’s Troop, featuring wildlife encounters, rescues, and their conservation journey. The channel boasts 227,000 subscribers and has amassed more than 120 million views.FOX 13 Tampa Bay

The Historic Python Capture

What Was the 2025 Florida Python Challenge?

• A 10-day, paid competition designed to remove invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades.
• Over 300 participants from 30 U.S. states and Canada took part.
• Record-breaking results: 294 pythons removed in total.

Taylor’s Historic Achievement

• Captured 60 Burmese pythons, winning the $10,000 grand prize, and became the first woman to ever secure the top spot.
• She credited over a decade of field experience for her success.
• Plans to reinvest the prize into her exotic animal sanctuary with Rhett.

Behind the Catch: Taylor’s Method & Strategy

Taylor’s deep understanding of python behavior allowed her to identify nests and baby snakes—especially in July, when hatchlings are common. A key insight: spotting “sticky, slimy” baby snakes in trees or shrubs signals an active nest nearby. Equipped with that knowledge and ten years of experience, she efficiently tracked down and removed pythons.

Insights into Her Passion

Taylor’s work reflects two equally important passions:

1. Protecting native wildlife
   Burmese pythons pose a major threat to Florida’s native species—killing raccoons, rabbits, and birds. Removing even dozens during events like the Python Challenge helps local ecosystems breathe easier.
2. Education and outreach
   Through Tobie’s Troop, Taylor and Rhett educate audiences about conservation in a thrilling yet approachable way—making wildlife action accessible to thousands.
   Their rescue of an enormous albino boa constrictor—over 9 feet and 52 pounds—off a Naples backyard garnered major media attention, showcasing both their bravery and love for animals.FOX 13 Tampa BayPeople.comWSVN 7NewsCBS NewsKnewz

Why Taylor Stanberry Matters

Taylor is a trailblazer: her win breaks barriers in a male-dominated realm of wildlife management. Her story highlights:

• The rising impact of women in wildlife conservation
• How media-savvy experts can expand influence through digital platforms
• The importance of hands-on, experienced-driven approaches to environmental problems

Summary: Taylor Stanberry at a Glance

Experience & Roles

• Venomous keeper and skilled snake relocator
• Co-owner of a Florida exotic animal rescue

Achievements

• First woman to win the Florida Python Challenge (60 pythons removed in 10 days)
• Media spotlight for capturing a massive albino boa constrictor

Platforms

• Instagram: ~63k followers
• YouTube (Tobie’s Troop): 227k subscribers; 120M+ views

Mission

• Reptile rescue & relocation
• Promoting native wildlife and environmental awareness

What’s Next for Taylor Stanberry?

1. Expanding her sanctuary with the Python Challenge prize.
2. Continuing to lead in wildlife rescue operations across Florida.
3. Growing Tobie’s Troop—reaching more viewers and raising conservation awareness globally.
4. Inspiring more women to enter wildlife and environmental fields.

FAQ: Common Questions About Taylor Stanberry

Who is Taylor Stanberry?
A venomous keeper, snake wrangler, and influencer based in Naples, FL. She co-runs an exotic animal rescue and is known for her educational and conservation work.

What did Taylor accomplish at the Florida Python Challenge?
She became the first woman to win the competition by removing 60 Burmese pythons in ten days, earning a $10,000 prize.

What is Tobie’s Troop?
A YouTube channel run by Taylor and her husband Rhett. They post videos of wildlife rescues, conservation efforts, and their daily life rescuing reptiles.

Does she have a strong online presence?
Yes—over 63,000 followers on Instagram and 227,000 subscribers on YouTube, plus 120 million views across their channel.

What is the significance of capturing 60 pythons?
It’s a major win for native wildlife, and Taylor’s efforts showcase the power of paid removing initiatives like the Python Challenge.

How does she find and catch pythons?
By using her decade of experience to locate nests and hatchlings—especially noticing baby snakes in trees, which often indicate nests nearby.

What impact does Taylor’s story have on conservation?
She raises awareness, protects ecosystems, and paves the way for women in wildlife professions—showing that passion, skill, and media engagement can drive real change.

Conclusion

Taylor Stanberry’s journey—from snake wrangler and sanctuary manager to history-making Python Challenge winner and influential educator—exemplifies passion, skill, and the spirit of conservation. Her vivid storytelling, online influence, and fearless work in the field not only help preserve Florida’s natural ecosystems but also shine a spotlight on the power of women in wildlife conservation.

If you’re curious about her next project or want to support her mission, give Tobie’s Troop a follow or explore her Instagram. Let Taylor’s enthusiasm and resilience inspire your own commitment to protecting wildlife!