The longest Burmese python caught in Florida has been documented.
A group of python hunters caught a female Burmese python on Monday, according to a news release from Conservancy of Southwest Florida.
Interested to learn the full scope of the size of their catch, the team contacted the conservancy's python team to collect measurements.
The results? A record 19 feet (579 cm) and 125 pounds, officially the longest ever documented. The longest Burmese python previously recorded in Florida was 18 feet 9 inches.
From left to right: Stephen Gauta, Jake Waleri (Conservancy of Southwest Florida)
Jake Waleri, 22, found the snake in Big Cypress National Preserve. Born and raised in Naples, Waleri understands the importance of removing this invasive apex predator out of Southwest Florida’s ecosystem.
“It’s awesome to be able to make an impact on South Florida’s environment. We love this ecosystem and try to preserve it as much as possible," he said.
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is an environmental nonprofit in Naples.