A Florida duo known as the “Glades Boys” have captured the longest Burmese python ever recorded in the state, measuring 19 feet long and weighing 125 pounds. The record catch of the invasive species was verified by a local environmental conservation.
Naples native Jake Waleri, 22, found the snake at Big Cypress National Preserve at 1 a.m. on July 10. The video of the capture shows him pulling the massive python of the grass on the road and struggling with it as the snake tries to bite him. The snake was killed, as wildlife officials recommended, and photos show it was so long it could run over four adults with room to spare.
Conservancy of Southwest Florida
“Giant is an understatement for this beast,” Waleri and python-catching partner in crime Stephen Gauta posted. Instagram. “It clocked in at 579cm / 19ft and 125lbs. To even see a snake that big would be a dream.”
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida, a local nonprofit, confirmed the snake’s size, saying it is “officially the longest ever documented.” The previous longest Burmese python, the group said, was 18 feet 9 inches long.
“We had a feeling that these snakes get this big and now we have clear evidence,” said Ian Easterling, a conservation biologist. “Their genetic material may prove valuable for an eventual understanding of the founding population of South Florida. We will collect measurements and samples that will be distributed to our research collaborators.”
Through conservation, Waleri added, “It’s great to be able to make an impact on the environment in South Florida. We love this ecosystem and try to preserve it as much as possible.”
Conservancy of Southwest Florida
Burmese pythons are non-venomous constrictors that have long been an invasive species in Florida, living primarily in and around the Everglades in South Florida. The snake is known to be one of the largest species of snake in the world, and in Florida it averages between 6 feet and 9 feet, about one-third the length of the current record holder.
Animals put a major threat to other wildlife in the state, as they eat mammals, birds and even alligators, although they have few natural predators other than humans.
Because of this risk, the state has recommended that the snakes be captured and humanely killed. The state offers a “Python Patrol” free training to learn how to identify snakes and report sightings, as well as how to kill them. To kill them legally, people must use a method that causes the animal to immediately lose consciousness before the person kills it destroy the brain
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Li Cohen
