Longest Burmese python caught in Florida sets new record
The snake was caught in the Big Cypress National Wildlife Refuge in South Florida.
NAPLES, Florida. The longest-caught Burmese python has set a new record in Florida, according to the Southwest Florida Environmental Protection Agency.
The nonprofit says a female python was captured on July 10 by a 22-year-old man and a group of python hunters in the Big Cypress National Wildlife Refuge.
Jake Whalery, who was part of the hunting party at the time of the capture, told the organization that he wanted to bring in the snake to get the full size of their catch.
The official results were 19 feet and 125 pounds, making their catch officially the longest ever recorded.
The conservation service said the previous record in Florida was 18 feet 9 inches.
“We brought the snake to the reserve to be officially measured and documented. We wanted to donate this find to science,” Valerie said at the conservation organization.
“It’s great to be able to influence the South Florida environment. We love this ecosystem and try to preserve it as much as possible.”
“We had a feeling that these snakes are getting so big, and now we have clear evidence,” said Ian Easterling, a biologist at the conservation organization.
“Her genetic material could be valuable for a possible understanding of the general population of South Florida. We will collect measurements and samples, which will be shared with our research staff.”
In August, both professional and novice snake hunters have a chance to break this new record during the 2023 Florida Python Competition.
The 10-day contest runs from 4 to 13 August. The top prize of $10,000 goes to the contestant who clears the most pythons, as well as smaller prizes for additional categories.
More about the challenge here.
