Trackers in South Florida found a 7-foot, 500-pound mound of pythons mating in a marsh Feb. 21 near Naples
The gigantic snakes were found on public land in Collier County, where two “mating balls” were found on the same day, according to the Miami Herald. All the snakes were captured and weighed, amounting to about 500 pounds of python.
500 pounds of pure snake: Massive python nest snagged in Southwest Florida https://t.co/nUPvFKXkxG
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) March 13, 2024
It was a record catch for the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, who are actively removing the invasive species from the area, according to the Miami Herald.
The conservancy’s science coordinator Ian Bartoszek spoke with McClatchy News in an interview regarding the incident.
“It’s probably most people’s worst nightmare, but for us, it’s a good day. It’s a win for native wildlife,” Bartoszek said.
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida focuses on removing invasive species such as pythons as well as researching them to understand their behavior, according to WFLA.
Since 2013, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida has been capturing pythons and putting them down, Miami Herald reported.
“Invasive species management doesn’t end with rainbows and kittens. These are remarkable creatures, here through no fault of their own. They are impressive animals, good at what they do” Bartoszek told the outlet.
University of Florida research shows the invasive pythons are feasting on a host of natural Floridian wildlife, according to the Miami Herald. (RELATED: Man Sentenced After Hiding Three Pythons In His Pants)
Burmese pythons are native to Southeast Asia, and researchers believe the invasive snakes were brought to Florida as exotic pets, according to the Miami Herald.
“It’s a big Everglades. I’m not declaring victory by any stretch, but we are winning key battles. We feel like we are attempting to hold the line around Naples while we all wait for additional control tools to develop,” Bartoszek told the outlet.