FWC Captured One Of The Largest Snakes On Record
If there’s one thing that sends shivers down my spine, it’s snakes and FWC captured one of the largest snakes on record.
Living in Florida, there’s all sorts of creatures that you can expect to see. Gators, a variety of birds, bears, maybe a panther and…snakes. I’ve seen them all since moving to the Sunshine State. Spotting all of them in Fort Myers, with the panther sighting in Sarasota right in my backyard. Seeing snakes large or small gives me the creeps every time. I realize that they’re part of our ecosystem here, but if I never had to see one again, it wouldn’t be soon enough.
Pythons are all over the Glades, but they’re on the move and there have been sightings of them further north. There was a massive python pile spotted in Naples not too long ago, and sightings in residents’ yards last fall in Cape Coral as well. But maybe those 8-9 foot pythons don’t scare you. How about one that’s 17 feet long?
FWC And The Burmese Python
I have to give major props to anyone willing to catch snakes. For as much as I hate them, I used to watch Guardians of the Glades all the time when it was on TV and I would get so creeped out watching them handle these massive pythons. Let me tell you, it’s not a job you’d ever catch me doing. But the star of the show Dusty Crum is so entertaining, I loved it.
Catching these invasive creatures is an important job, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) captured one of the largest snakes on record.
According to NBC2, this Burmese python was caught on March 29th in the Everglades at almost 17 feet long and weighing in at 177 pounds. FWC says it’s the 4th heaviest and 22nd longest on record. The heaviest ever was caught back in 2021 and weighed 215 pounds and was 17.7 feet long.
If you see a Burmese python, you’re encouraged to call and report it to 888-Ive-Got1.
These Are The 9 Most Dangerous Animals Lurking In The Florida Everglades
American Alligator
The American alligator can be seen in massive numbers. You’ll see at least 5-10 sunbathing on any given day, as you drive across Alligator Alley.
American Alligator in Everglades National Park
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
This snake is the one most venomous snakes in the state, and actually in the world. It is also known as the largest rattlesnake.
Eastern diamondback rattlesnake from Big Cypress National Preserve (adjacent to Everglades National Park), Florida
Florida Panther
The Florida Panther is a beautiful creature and is on the endangered species list. As you’ll see below, they stalk. These creatures are not seen too often.
Stalking behavior of Florida Panther in Florida. Lurking in bushes.
Brown Recluse Spider
A brown recluse spider is most common in warmer climates. It is one of the most poisonous spiders in the Everglades.
A macro shot of a Brown recluse spider
American Crocodile
Yes, crocodile. American crocodiles are found in Florida. It’s not an alligator.
American Crocodile swimming in water in South Florida, near Everglades National Park
Florida Black Bear
We see these furry guys walking around neighborhoods in Estero quite often. With new construction, they’re forced out of their habitats. But, they are not safe to approach. They will defend themselves.
Florida Black Bear in suburban neighborhood
Florida Cottonmouth
The cottonmouth can be confused with other water snakes. Take extreme caution. These snakes are venomous with a mortality rate of 17%.
Florida Cottonmouth or water moccasin snake, close up in the Everglades
Burmese Python
These snakes are commonly seen being hunted. Reason is, they’re becoming an extremely invasive species across the state. They are constrictors and are non venomous.
Burmese python or Python bivittatus snake swims in the water in a marsh in the Florida Everglades.
Alligator Snapping Turtle
Let’s just say this one looks the scariest to me! I never thought I would be scared of a turtle. They are much more aggressive on land than they are in the water.
Alligator snapping turtle.
