Full Breakdown
Record-Breaking Burmese Python Captured in Florida
2/11/2026, 5:08:40 PM
Significant Capture in Big Cypress National Preserve
On January 13, 2026, python hunter Carl Jackson captured a female Burmese python weighing 202 pounds and measuring 16 feet, 10 inches long in the Big Cypress National Preserve, marking it as the second heaviest Burmese python recorded in Florida. This invasive species has been linked to significant declines in native wildlife populations across the state, including raccoons, opossums, bobcats, foxes, and marsh and cottontail rabbits, according to a 2012 study.
The Invasive Burmese Python Issue
Burmese pythons are non-venomous constrictors that have established themselves across over a thousand square miles in South Florida, including the Everglades National Park and Collier-Seminole State Park. They have few natural predators and pose a threat to local ecosystems by preying on various native species. Florida law mandates that captured Burmese pythons must be humanely euthanized at the site of capture, with anti-cruelty laws still applicable despite the species not being protected.
The Capture Process
Jackson's capture involved a struggle lasting approximately 15 minutes, aided by his two adopted children, Ryker Young and Jazzlyn Bateman, and his wife, Tasha. To emphasize the python's size, the family formed a human chain alongside the snake for photographs. This capture follows Jackson's previous achievement in 2025, where he caught a 17-foot, 10-inch python shortly after relocating from Utah to Florida to pursue python hunting full-time.
Official Statements & Responses
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has outlined the humane euthanasia process for captured pythons, which includes ensuring the animal loses consciousness immediately and subsequently destroying its brain to prevent any chance of regaining consciousness. This protocol is crucial for managing the invasive species while adhering to ethical standards.
Criticism & Opposition
While the capture of large Burmese pythons is often celebrated, some conservationists express concern over the methods used for euthanizing these snakes. Critics argue that the focus should be on preventing the spread of invasive species rather than solely on hunting them. The ongoing debate highlights the complexities of wildlife management in Florida.
What's Next
As the issue of invasive Burmese pythons continues to affect Florida's ecosystems, further efforts to control their population are anticipated. This includes ongoing python hunting programs and public awareness campaigns aimed at educating residents about the ecological impacts of these invasive snakes.
