A group of Florida men made a remarkable discovery while hunting for invasive pythons in the Big Cypress National Preserve. They managed to capture a massive snake that weighed nearly 198 pounds and measured over 17 feet long. The encounter was caught on video and has since garnered attention.
Holden Hunter, Trey Barber, and Carter Gavlock were driving back from a fishing trip when they spotted the enormous creature crossing a sandy trail. They immediately jumped out of their vehicle and attempted to catch it. Soon after, Mike Elfenbein, a local conservationist, and his son Cole arrived separately, and all five men joined forces to wrangle the python. They managed to hold onto it until a game warden arrived with a bolt gun to euthanize it.
The snake was later weighed, coming in just shy of 198 pounds. It was turned over to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. The state wildlife officials confirmed that it was the second-heaviest Burmese python ever removed from Florida. The capture of this python highlights the serious threat that invasive species pose to native wildlife.
The group of men expressed their love for these creatures, noting that they can be docile when kept in captivity. However, in the wild, they cause harm to the ecosystem by preying on small game and disrupting the food chain. This disruption affects not only the native animals but also endangered or threatened species like the Florida panthers.
Burmese pythons are considered a significant problem in Florida and are allowed to be humanely killed year-round without a permit or hunting license. They are also prohibited as pets in the state. These pythons are primarily found in and around the Everglades, but sightings have been reported outside of these areas as well.
It is crucial for residents to report any sightings of Burmese pythons to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission’s Exotic Species Hotline. The threat they pose to the ecosystem requires ongoing efforts to control their population and protect native wildlife.
