A hunter in Florida just broke a record when he managed to bag a 17-foot, 5-inch Burmese python as part of a program for the state.

The South Florida Water Management District took to social media to post a photo of hunter Kyle Penniston posing with the snake, who he captured as part of the Python Elimination Program. This program aims to lower the snake population in Florida, and since it was started in March of 2017, 1,859 pythons have been eliminated.

Eliminating invasive species like the Burmese python is crucial to preserving the ecosystem in the Everglades. This type of python breeds very fast and has no predator in the Everglades, which means they can get out of hand very quickly. Burmese pythons also decimate native wildlife populations, making eliminating them even more important.

The district said that Kyle captured the snake late Monday night on SFWMD lands in Miami-Dade County.

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“Just six months after eliminating the first 1,000 pythons from District lands, this program is about to double that total because of a true team effort,” explained Mike Kirkland, project manager for the Python Elimination Program. “With the Governing Board’s unwavering support, District staff and a dedicated group of hunters are working to help control this invasive species and protect native wildlife.”

We’re glad to see that this Florida program is successful! Keep up the good work!

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