One of the largest Burmese pythons ever recorded in Florida was recently captured, measuring an impressive length of 18 feet (5.49 meters). The news was shared on Facebook this Wednesday by Matt Devitt, who noted that the current record is held by a python that reached 19 feet (5.79 meters).
He highlighted that the Burmese python, an invasive species originating from the Everglades wetlands in southern Florida, poses a significant threat to the state's native wildlife. In 2023, a group of python hunters caught what was then the second-largest snake ever recorded in Florida.
"The snake officially measures 17'2" (5.23 meters) and weighs 198 pounds. This snake consumed a lot of native wildlife to grow this big. It had its last meal. It took five of us to control it, glad to remove it from our Everglades where it can no longer eat our wildlife," said Mike Elfenbein, an invasive python hunter in Florida, on Instagram.
Python Challenge 2024 and Eradication Efforts
The Florida Python Challenge 2024, a competition aimed at eliminating Burmese pythons from the Everglades, was recently held with over $25,000 in cash prizes. Professional and amateur hunters competed for awards for the longest python captured and the highest number of pythons caught and removed.
Earlier this month, python hunter Donna Kalil, known for her efforts in reducing invasive snakes in the Everglades National Park, reported that her team captured 72 pythons in July alone. In a Facebook post, Kalil mentioned that the female-led organization she heads, known as the "Everglades Avengers," captured that incredible number in one month and a total of 969 since they started their mission.
FAQs about Burmese Pythons in Florida
To provide more information on the issue of Burmese pythons in Florida, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
Why are Burmese pythons a threat to Florida's wildlife?
Burmese pythons are an invasive species in Florida, preying on a wide variety of native wildlife, which disrupts the ecosystem and threatens the balance of local species.
What is the Florida Python Challenge?
The Florida Python Challenge is an annual competition that encourages hunters to capture and remove as many Burmese pythons as possible from the Everglades, offering cash prizes for the longest and most pythons caught.
Who is Donna Kalil?
Donna Kalil is a well-known python hunter who leads a team called the "Everglades Avengers." She has been instrumental in capturing and removing a large number of Burmese pythons from the Everglades.