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This 18-Foot Python Was Captured in the Florida Everglades

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18 foot python captured florida everglades
University of Florida wildlife biologists recently removed one of the largest Burmese Pythons ever captured in Florida. The snake was caught on July 9. These photos were taken on July 11.Chris Gillette
By Tessa Berenson Rogers

University of Florida researchers recently captured what may be the second-longest python ever caught in Florida.

Captured along a popular wildlife-watching trail on July 9, the python was a female who measured 18 feet 3 inches and weighed 133 pounds, CBS Miami reports. The longest ever captured in the park measured 18 feet 7 inches long.

The snake was removed from the park and euthanized to protect other wildlife. Pythons are not native to Florida, but were introduced to the region as exotic pets. They now live in the wild by the thousands.

18 foot python captured florida everglades
University of Florida wildlife biologists recently removed one of the largest Burmese Pythons ever captured in Florida. The snake was caught on July 9. These photos were taken on July 11.Chris Gillette
18 foot python captured florida everglades
University of Florida wildlife biologist Ed Metzger with the female snake measuring 18 feet, 3 inches, and weighing 133 pounds.Chris Gillette
18 foot python captured florida everglades
University of Florida wildlife biologist Ed Metzger with the python. Chris Gillette
18 foot python captured florida everglades
According to NBC News, Metzger said it was especially satisfying to have removed such a large snake from the Everglades ecosystem. The snake was euthanized.Chris Gillette

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Write to Tessa Berenson Rogers at tessa.Rogers@time.com