The Everglades, Fla. — The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Python Action Team removed their 500th Burmese Python from the wild.
The milestone snake was a female, found at Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area in the Everglades, and measured 9’ 10” and weighed 20 pounds, 14 ounces.
“The capture of the 500th snake by our Python Action Team marks a significant milestone for this program,” said Eric Sutton, Executive Director of the FWC.
Burmese pythons became established in Florida in 2017, as a result of escaped or released pets.
The largest found so far was a 17-foot long, 140-pound python nabbed this April in the Big Cypress National Reserve.
Officials warn, people should never release nonnative pets in the wild in Florida.
It is illegal and can negatively impact native wildlife and habitat.
The FWC has an Exotic Pet Amnesty Program that allows nonnative pets to be surrendered without penalty.