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17-FOOT ‘MONSTER’ Python Found in the Everglades

17-FOOT ‘MONSTER’ Python Found in the Everglades
17-FOOT ‘MONSTER’ Python Found in the Everglades. Image by 10tampabay via Instagram.

Read all the way to the end – we save the one detail most people never think about for last.

The recent discovery of a 17-foot ‘monster’ python in the Everglades shows us the ongoing issue of invasive species and the importance of managing these formidable predators. Join us as we also explore the physical features of these amazing reptiles…

17-Foot ‘Monster’ Python Found in the Everglades

17-FOOT ‘MONSTER’ Python Found in the Everglades
17-FOOT ‘MONSTER’ Python Found in the Everglades. Image by 10tampabay via Instagram.
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In deep Everglades, an astonishing discovery was made; a 17-foot ‘monster’ python! This giant serpent, among the largest found in the region, reminds us of the growing issue of invasive species in the Everglades. These snakes are common, which shows us the need for ongoing efforts to manage and control these huge snakes.

Man Finds Huge Python

17-FOOT ‘MONSTER’ Python Found in the Everglades
17-FOOT ‘MONSTER’ Python Found in the Everglades. Image by 10tampabay via Instagram.
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The python was discovered by a local man, Mattew, during a routine walk through the Everglades. Matthew Kogo works as a python hunter for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The man claims, “Make no mistake, you will still need a good bit of strength and experience to wrangle a monster, get help if you can (seriously, you will want help), but if you stay focused and intentional, working smarter not harder, you can get the beast more safely under control,” he said.

Let’s explore the physical features of the python to further understand these massive serpants…

Size

python on mans hand
pythons are non-venomous-image via Depositphotos
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Pythons average between 6 to 9 feet long. Although, they can grow to over 20 feet long!

Skin

python in water
reticulated python in swamp-image via Depositphotos
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They have smooth, dry skin covered in scales. These scales come in different color and pattern, which help with camouflage.

Eyes

Burmese python
Burmese python (Python bivittatus). Wild life animal.
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Pythons have small eyes with vertical slit pupils. This gives them good night vision.

Teeth

reticulated python
reticulated python-image via- Depositphotos
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Their mouths are lined with sharp, backward-facing teeth.

Jaws

yellow reticulated python
The python even ate smaller animals-image via Depositphotos
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Pythons have highly flexible jaws that lets them swallow prey much larger than their heads.

Tongue

Burmese python
Everglades NPS from Homestead, Florida, United States, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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A python’s forked tongue helps it sense its environment. This is done by collecting scent particles.

Head

Woman Found Eaten Alive Inside Massive 20-ft Python
Image via depositphotos.
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The head of a python is triangular. They have heat-sensing pits in some species to detect warm-blooded prey.

Musculature

Python Image via Depositphotos.
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Pythons are muscular.

Coloration

Python Image via Depositphotos.
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Their coloration ranges from earthy browns to vibrant greens and yellows.

Scales

Image via Depositphotos.
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Pythons have overlapping scales that protect their bodies and help in locomotion.

Belly

Python Image via Depositphotos.
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The underside of a python is lighter in color and smooth.

Tail

Python Image via Depositphotos.
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A python’s tail is strong and used for balance and gripping branches.

Sense of Smell

Carpet Python. Morelia spilota variegata image via Depositphotos
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They have an acute sense of smell. Their smell is enhanced by their forked tongue and Jacobson’s organ.

Reproduction

New Guinea Green Tree Python
GREEN TREE PHYTON morelia viridis, ADULT STANDING ON BRANCH. Image via Depositphotos
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Female pythons lay eggs and often coil around them to provide warmth and protection.

Lifespan

yellow albino python
The python was finally relocated-image via Depositphotos
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Pythons can live for several decades.

Habitat

Python lying in the sun on the grass.
Reticulated Python basking in sun-image via-Depositphotos
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Pythons are highly adaptable. They are found in a variety of habitats from forests to swamps.

Hunting

New Guinea Green Tree Python
Green Tree Python, morelia viridis. Image via Depositphotos
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They are ambush predators.

Wrap Up

Trapper Catches 17-Foot Burmese Python in Florida Everglades
Screenshot: “Only in Florida @pythonswampman catching a monster python” via omgitswicks, youtube.
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Find the link to the video here!

Overall, the discovery of a 17-foot python in the Everglades reminds us of the growing issue of invasive species! Understanding the physical features and behaviors of pythons is important for managing and understanding their impact on native wildlife.

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