The American Bird Conservancy reported that U.S. Geological Survey researchers have captured a 17-foot-7-inch-long, 164.5-pound Burmese python in Everglades National Park in Florida. This is a state record for Florida. Additionally the snake had a state record of 87 eggs.
The alien Burmese python is part of Florida’s invasive reptile and amphibian problem, which is the worst in the world . A 20-year study published in September 2011 in the journal Zootaxa showed 137 non-native species introduced to Florida between 1863 and 2010.
The Burmese pythons have no known natural predators and vast areas of available habitat that facilitate their spread and makes eradication extremely difficult. Burmese pythons prey on native birds, deer, bobcats, alligators, and other large animals including some endangered species.
Read more at American Bird Conservancy press release Largest Snake ever Recorded in Florida Captured – With 87 Eggs.
Natural History Wanderings 
Leave a comment