Largest python snake nest in Florida history discovered in Everglades

The largest python snake nest in Florida history was removed from a well-known wildlife area earlier this month, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

A 13 foot and 9-inch female Burmese python and its nest of 111 eggs was removed from the Everglades and Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area on July 7 by a contractor with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Python Action Team, according to FWC spokesperson Lisa Thompson.

Removing the snake and its eggs the environment helps to protect the native habitats and wildlife in the area, she said.

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Are Burmese pythons native to Florida?

While the Sunshine State is known for its rich diversity of snakes and reptiles, the Burmese python is not one of the 44 native snake species found in the area, according to the FWC. 

They are native to  India, lower China, the Malay Peninsula and some islands of the East Indies.

Burmese pythons are considered an invasive species because of their impacts to native wildlife.  They generally prey on native mammals, reptiles and birds. 

Their non-native status means Burmese pythons are not protected in Florida, so they can be humanely killed on private property with a landowner’s permission. They can be captured and humanely killed without a permit or hunting license 32 Commission-managed lands in south Florida all year long, the FWC said.