Unbelievable Catch! Hunter Snags One of Florida's Biggest Burmese Pythons in the Everglades
Published: January 27, 2026
A dedicated hunter, Carl Jackson, and his family made a remarkable discovery while working in the murky depths of Florida's Everglades. They captured a massive female Burmese python, measuring an impressive 16 feet, 10 inches and weighing a staggering 202 pounds. This colossal snake is now the second-heaviest Burmese python ever recorded in the state, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
The previous record holder weighed a mere 215 pounds. But what's even more concerning is the snake's load: it was carrying around 200 eggs, a stark reminder of the ongoing threat these invasive snakes pose to Florida's native wildlife. Burmese pythons, non-native to the state, have contributed to a significant decline in mammal populations in the Everglades, making their removal crucial.
Despite his experience, Jackson was awestruck by the sheer size of the python. He's a contracted python action team hunter with the FWC and has captured numerous snakes during his work. However, this particular python stood out due to its massive size. The authorities continue to emphasize the importance of removing these invasive snakes, which have no natural predators in Florida and can grow to enormous lengths.
For more information on Florida's annual python challenge, visit https://flpythonchallenge.org/.
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Ryan Mackey, a Digital Journalist at WPLG, shares his story. Born on Long Island, New York, Ryan has called Sunrise, Florida, home since 1994.
