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Giant 16-Foot Python Caught in Florida!
11 Jul
Summary
- Hunters compete in a 10-day python elimination challenge.
- A 16-foot Burmese python was caught and eliminated.
- Invasive pythons threaten Florida's native wildlife.
The annual Florida Python Challenge has commenced, spanning 10 days and drawing participants nationwide to designated areas in south Florida. Competitors vie for a share of $25,000 in cash prizes, with a grand prize of $10,000 for eliminating the most snakes. This event runs concurrently with an ongoing monthly python elimination program organized by the South Florida Water Management District.
In June, one program participant, Bayo Hernandez, earned $400 for capturing a 16-foot, 0.5-inch Burmese python. These invasive reptiles have caused substantial damage to the Florida Everglades ecosystem, leading to a documented decline in populations of various native mammals. Recent scientific observations also indicate Burmese pythons are capable of consuming prey significantly larger than previously understood, with one documented instance of a snake consuming a 77-pound white-tailed deer.
