Story perspectives

Florida Hunter Captures Record-Breaking 202-Pound Python

2/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

On February 10, 2026, a Florida python hunter captured a 202-pound Burmese python, 16 feet 10 inches long, in the Big Cypress National Preserve.
It is the second heaviest Burmese python on record, behind a 215-pound catch in 2022.
Burmese pythons are invasive and have reduced native wildlife populations, including raccoons and bobcats.
Florida law requires on-site humane euthanization of captured pythons, with methods ensuring immediate unconsciousness and brain destruction.

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Story summary

On February 10, 2026, a Florida python hunter captured a 202-pound Burmese python, 16 feet 10 inches long, in the Big Cypress National Preserve.
It is the second heaviest Burmese python on record, behind a 215-pound catch in 2022.
Burmese pythons are invasive and have reduced native wildlife populations, including raccoons and bobcats.
Florida law requires on-site humane euthanization of captured pythons, with methods ensuring immediate unconsciousness and brain destruction.