Massive 17-Ft Burmese Python Caught in Florida Everglades

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC) trapper, Matthew Kogo, captured a massive 17-foot Burmese python in the Everglades, near the Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area, in July, 2024.

The Mighty Python

Burmese pythons are native to Southeast Asia and have become an invasive species in Florida, wreaking havoc on local ecosystems. These predators eat a variety of animals, from deer to alligators, and have significantly reduced some mammal populations by 90%.

Florida Python Challenge

Summertime, with its warm and humid conditions, is prime time for snake activity in the Everglades. To combat the growing python population, Florida hosts the annual Python Challenge, encouraging people to hunt these invasive snakes.

Kogo’s Techniques

Kogo shared his techniques, saying, “Gotta let her work, as my Brazilian jiu-jitsu friends say. Gotta let ’em work,” while managing the enormous snake. Kogo advised, “When ‘snaking,’ it’s important to take the time, enjoy the moment,” reflecting on the unique experience of capturing such a large predator.

Threat to Native Wildlife

Burmese pythons pose a significant threat to Florida’s native wildlife, making efforts like the Python Challenge crucial for ecosystem balance. The FWC plays a key role in managing and reducing the python population through initiatives like the Python Challenge.

Community Involvement

The Python Challenge also serves to raise awareness and involve the community in wildlife conservation efforts. Kogo’s capture of the 17-foot python highlights the challenges and skills required to handle such large, dangerous animals.

The Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area is a known habitat for these invasive pythons, making it a key area for trapping efforts.

Future Efforts

Ongoing efforts to control the python population in Florida remain critical to protecting the state’s native wildlife and ecosystems.

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Linnea H, BSc Sociology

Author at Animals Around The Globe. BSc Sociology

Linnea is a born and bred Swede but spends as much time as possible in Cape Town, South Africa. This is mainly due to Cape Town’s extraordinary scenery, wildlife, and atmosphere (in other words, because Cape Town is heaven on earth.) That being said, Sweden’s majestic forests forever hold a special place in her heart. Linnea spends as much time as she can close to the ocean collecting sea shells or in the park admiring puppies.

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