There is a popular expression that is often heard in the world of sports: records are made to be broken.
But what happens in the Burmese python world? What are the records for the longest and heaviest? Who keeps score? What should ambitious hunters aim for in terms of invasive snake size to get their names on the trophy python leaderboard?
The News-Press and the Naples Daily News turned to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), which is a leader in the state when it comes to fighting pythons. According to Lisa Thompson, FWC spokesperson for the Division of Habitat and Species Conservation, “we maintain records of Burmese pythons reported to us, but it is possible that not all pythons are reported.”
Python Photo Opportunity:Python poses: Proud hunters clutching giant invasive snakes they captured are photogenic
The FWC asks that people report sightings and removals by calling the FWC Invasive Species Hotline (1-888-483-4681) or reporting it to IveGot1.org).
Python logs: These are the five longest Burmese pythons reported and recorded by the FWC as of April 2024.
What is the longest Burmese python caught in Florida? 19 feet
READ THE HISTORY: Here
Name: Jake Waleri
Date: July 10, 2023
General location: Big Cypress National Reserve
Length: 19 feet (579.0 centimeters)
Sex: Female
Did you know: The Conservancy of Southwest Florida verified the measurement
Python 101:Snakes move north: places where Burmese pythons have been sighted in Florida
What is the second longest python caught in Florida: 18 feet 9 inches?
READ THE HISTORY: Here
Name: Kevin Pavlidis and Ryan Ausburn
Date: October 3, 2020
General location: Big Cypress National Reserve
Length: 18 feet, 9 inches (571.5 centimeters)
Sex: Female
Video: Second longest python captured in Florida
Completing the top 5 longest Burmese pythons captured in Florida
- Length: 18 feet, 8 inches (569.0 centimeters), Miami-Dade CountyMay 11, 2013
- Length: 18 feet, 3 inches (558.6 centimeters), Big Cypress National ReserveSeptember 22, 2019
- Length: 18 feet, 2 inches (556.3 centimeters), Everglades National ParkJuly 2015
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