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500 Pounds of Python Found in Florida in a Single Day

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Author Josie Messeter

500 pounds of python
Image by the Conservancy of Southwest Florida

Can you imagine coming across 500 pounds of python?

The Massive Catch

500 pounds of python
500 Pounds of Python. Image by the Conservancy of Southwest Florida

Earlier this year, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida stumbled upon a total of 500 pound of python in one single day! These 500 pounds consisted of 11 pythons, divided amongst three different “mating balls.”

The longest one measured a whole 16 feet in length.

500 pounds of python is a huge catch, and no wonder it’s a local record for the conservancy! Having operated for over 10 years, the Conservancy has never ever caught so many snakes in one single day.

The conservancy’s mission is to protect Florida’s wildlife. The Burmese python is an invasive species which is why they work hard to remove them from the ecosystem.

What Is a Python Mating Ball?

burmese pythons
500 Pounds of Python. Image generated by Animals Around the Globe using DALL-E

“Mating balls” are a common trend seen in many snake species around the world, and the Burmese python is one of them.

A mating ball is when multiple males converge around a single female, competing to mate with her. Several snakes can involved, and they can remain entwined for hours or even days – all hoping to be the lucky one to mate with the female. 

How Big Do Burmese Pythons Get?

burmese python
Burmese Python. Image by Crissta Ames Walle via Unsplash

Burmese pythons are among the largest snakes in the world, with adults typically reaching lengths of 12 to 18 feet, though some have been recorded at over 20 feet long. But they’re not just long creatures – they’re incredibly thick: on average, they measure 3.6″ – 8.7″ around their body (the equivalent of a telephone pole basically.

Made an Entrance in Florida Through the Pet Trade

burmese python
Burmese python Image by Diego Madrigal via Pexels

Although the Burmese python is a fairly common sight in Florida, they are not “meant” to be there. Originating from South East Asia they made an entrance into the sunshine state in the 70’s through the pet trade. 

Since then, they’ve been wrecking the local ecosystem (because they can eat almost any species), which is why the conservancy is tasked with removing them from nature (in a respectful and non-cruel way, of course.)

Wrapping Up

burmese python in florida
Burmese Python. Image via Depositphotos

The Burmese python is already a fearsome sight – now image bumping into a bunch of them at the same time! While they do deserve all the respect and care, the harsh reality is that they’re seriously damaging Florida’s nature.

Thank you for reading this article about the 500 pounds of python found in Florida!

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