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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.
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![18 foot python captured florida everglades](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/18-foot-python-captured-florida-everglades-6.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
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Write to Tessa Berenson Rogers at tessa.Rogers@time.com