200-pound python caught in Okeechobee County
July 31st, 2009 by Post StaffBy ADAM PLAYFORD
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
It takes eight members of an animal hospital's staff to hold the python, caught on Wednesday. (Courtesy of Okeechobee Veterinary Hospital.)
The snake did not have a microchip implant identifying its origin, as is required under Florida law for all pet Burmese pythons that are more than 2 inches in diameter, according to a press release from the commission. This python was 26 inches around, 200 pounds heavy and 17-feet, 2-inches long.
“The capture of this large python shows us how well these snakes can thrive in the wild and create a dangerous situation after illegal release or escape,” commission Chairman Rodney Barreto said in the release.
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July 31st, 2009 at 10:53 am
Since this snake was killed, that is a pretty sick picture attached to this article!
July 31st, 2009 at 10:59 am
Holy moly!!! That thing was a monster, could have killed an adult human being!!!
July 31st, 2009 at 11:01 am
Why did they kill it? Why not put it in a zoo or a a research facility? Seems kinda cruel.
July 31st, 2009 at 11:03 am
Kill ‘em all…..they are an invasive species and will destroy they ecosystem here..
July 31st, 2009 at 11:05 am
For these animal care workers, who one would think love animals, to take this picture is sickening.
Amazing how the dimishment of life is taken and gloated upon.
lets kill the python, for being what he is, living as how he is forced to live, and lets take a picture and show the world how we took its life and how cool we are to be bragging about it!!!
Right on.
ELF
July 31st, 2009 at 11:06 am
We need to catch the one who dumped it in the glades
July 31st, 2009 at 11:10 am
who gives a crap about snakes. I agree w Ed- snakes suck! They are good for nothin
July 31st, 2009 at 11:11 am
elf-your a fag
July 31st, 2009 at 11:14 am
Actually snakes are a huge part of the ecosystem and serve a vital purpose. Just amazing how dumb many people are. This snake was invasive, due to humans moving them to where they should not be. So it needed to be removed. But for animal hospital workers to pose with a dead snake is bizarre at best.
July 31st, 2009 at 11:16 am
Its either them or us - haha. No really, I’m glad that we have representatives in Congress willing to take this issue seriously.
Consider me now an avid snake hunter from Okeechobee! Bring on the hunt!!!!
July 31st, 2009 at 11:22 am
This picture makes me want to throw up. One of God’s beautiful creatures.
Its not its fault its in the Everglades…no one goes out there anyway…..
Why not find a home for it or put it in a zoo….lots of people would love to give a Python a good home….especially a large one.
Ghandi said judge a people by how they treat animals.
Animals are innocent. We can think.
Those people look , all smiling, are like idiots posing with a Dead Marlin at the Dock, or a Dead Tiger or Rhino on Safari…..
Igorant situation, ignorant people, created by Politicians seeking limelight and media willing to fan the flames of misplaced fear of snakes.
Heck, people used to do the same thing to Gators here.
Pathetic.
(Does anyone think it was a coincdence that right after that Political News conference they just happened to find a Python in Broad Daylight within walking distance…….?
That thing sure looked like a set-up capture….like they released a Python to catch it…they are nocturnal creatures…they don’t come out at night.
But VOILA….lets announce the GREAT PYTHON KILL to the Media at a press conference with Politicians….and OH…wow…there is a PYTHON NOW….let’s kill it!
July 31st, 2009 at 11:22 am
There are only two types of snakes - rattlers and cobras. If it makes noise, it’s a rattler. If it doesn’t, it’s a cobra. Either way, grab your shovel!
July 31st, 2009 at 11:23 am
For all the bleeding hearts whining about the”poor”snake.What would your thoughts be if this snake had killed a friend or family member??
July 31st, 2009 at 11:28 am
I agree with Jon King’s statement: “This snake was invasive…”. and a threat to our ecosystem and surely people. Okay, look a photo of eight people holding this dead snake was great idea. For instance, I didnt know that a 17′ 2″, 200 lb snake would actually be so huge. It gives me chills to think about it traveling thru my backyard (we live West of 95)… the photo just gives a visual emphasis to the issue… I agee Jenny, he’s a monster.
July 31st, 2009 at 11:31 am
Some people think big-fat red necks with guns and such out in the Everglades suck too….good for nothing.
What should we do with them?
Some say at the lease they should at the very least be sterilized and the brothers and sisters seperated at puberty for population control.
July 31st, 2009 at 11:36 am
I’ll take 10 pair of size 12 1/2 boots.
July 31st, 2009 at 11:36 am
Kill them all…these snakes have become a nuisance and need to be controlled - quickly. I also think that they shouldn’t be allowed as pets…thats whey we have this problem now in the first place.
July 31st, 2009 at 11:37 am
the fat nurse look hungry!the snake didnt stand a chance!!
July 31st, 2009 at 11:42 am
Many of us swim in lakes in parks and various place we know gators are there but we know they will not bother us. Would these snakes be more aggressive or less than gators? We need more info.
July 31st, 2009 at 11:46 am
It’s all about $$money$$. The more hype they create about a few invasive snakes, the more funding and tax dollars the wildlife agencies and independent researchers will receive from the goverment.
July 31st, 2009 at 11:58 am
To those of you shuttering over the death of snake, I wish you shared the same compassion towards killing unborn children.
July 31st, 2009 at 11:58 am
I see both sides of this argument. A snake that large is definitly dangerous to the population in general but to children and domestic animals especially. But this isn’t your average snake either and really did deserve a chance at possibly being placed in a zoo or research facility. While I am not fond of snakes, I do realize their benefit to the ecosystem and the environment. I’d rather have a snake in my yard than a rat. I have to agree that the “animal lovers” holding the snake is more than a little disturbing. These people are supposed to be animal care givers and animal right supporters. If that was the staff at my vet’s office, I do believe I would be re-thinking my choice for my animals care.
July 31st, 2009 at 11:58 am
Its not so much about the snake being caught its about the way the vet staff looks like they won a prize. Why save some animals and kill others?
The snake could have been placed in a zoo or a setting to teach others how dangerous it is to leave your python loose when the owner no longer “wants” it.
Now that would be a much better picture.
July 31st, 2009 at 12:01 pm
A much better picture would be to see the mug shot of the snakes owner arrested for releasing the snake into the community.
If that snake had killed anyone in its battle for survival, it is the owners direct responsibility.
Let this be an example to all who buy pythons and cant take care of them and release them.
July 31st, 2009 at 12:07 pm
In reponse to RobWPB… comparing a snake’s death to that of a child?… please - give me a break - there is no comparison.. this is not the forum to publish your anti-abortion opinions. And who compared anything to killing an unborn child? Seek therapy.
July 31st, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Yeah seriously. Go stand out in the everglades and tell me how much “compassion” you have when you see all the pythons running rampant out there. They eat alligators for lunch for lunch for heaven sakes… I agree, there is absolutely no comparison.
July 31st, 2009 at 12:20 pm
To those who suggest that this snake should not have been killed - i have heard there are 10,000 or more of these Pythons in the Glades, and efforts being made to reduce their population, by hunting them. What are they supposed to do, put every one of them caught in a zoo?
Not possible.
July 31st, 2009 at 12:28 pm
Its funny how nobody cared about the snakes before the news started talking about it, and to kill so a beautiful creature is a shame they should of trppaed it like others have said and you cannot compare a snake and a fetus
July 31st, 2009 at 12:28 pm
I’m glad this snake has been removed from our surrounding glades area. We do not need any further invasives in this delicate and fragile ecosystem. For those of you who are upset and disgruntled about the snake being caught and killed, I think your tune would change if it digested your pet, child or grandchild. PS. #16 - John, I’m with you….size 7 ladies boot please.
July 31st, 2009 at 12:36 pm
Do you really think a zoo would be able to take this python?? Zoos are closing everywhere due to lack of money and dont have anywhere to place their animals. Also how is this any different than killing a rat that comes into your house, or smacking a mosquito? They are bothersome but I am not trying to send them to a zoo because I feel bad for them. These Pythons need to be eliminated in Florida. They should be inhabiting the places that GOD placed them.
July 31st, 2009 at 12:41 pm
all you idiots who think that python sould not of been killed I hope one eats you or your child or your dog.If its one of gods greatest creatures why dont you complain about taking the animals out of there native habitat and selling it like a slave to some moron who thinks its cool.I hope a snake eats all you northern a-holes
July 31st, 2009 at 12:43 pm
I think they should have a barbecue. I’ll bet Python tastes like chicken!!
Seriously though, these things are extremely dangerous and are far removed from being endangered. Moreover, they will cause species in Florida to go extinct because they have no natural predators here. Killing animals for sadistic purposes is cruel. However, killing animals as part of managing nature is not cruel at all. Rather, not to kill them would be cruel for the rest of the animals in the ecosystem. Managing, yea eradicating, these monsterous preditors from Florida and the whole USA is necessary.
July 31st, 2009 at 12:53 pm
WHAT ABOUT ALL THE LOWLIFE MURDERS AND RAPEIST ON TANARAND AND PEOPLE THAT HAVE 18 KIDS AND CANT AFFORD THEM,SHOULD WE ROUND THEM ALL UP AND KILL THEM,I JUST HEARD ABOUT A MOTHER LEAVING A BABY IN A CAR 8 HOURS WHEN AT WORK AND IT DIED.LETS KILL HER,PLAIN AND SIMPLE FACT IS THAT PEOPLE KILL MORE PEOPLE THEN SNAKES EVER WILL AND PEOPLE WE LIVE IN FOLRIDA A.K.A AS A SWAMP B4 LUXURY MALLS AND TOWNHOMES IF YOU CANT TAKE WILDLIFE THEN MOVE.I THINK WE NEED TO REGULATE PEOPLE GIVING BIRTH,I HAVE NEVER SEEN A SNAKE GET OUT OF A LEXUS AT WALMART AND PAY WITH A FOODSTAMP CARD AND HAVE 15 LITTLE FUTURE CRIMINAL SNAKES BEHIND IT.
July 31st, 2009 at 1:04 pm
You people defending this snake are retarded. King, first of all, jon king said:
“Actually snakes are a huge part of the ecosystem and serve a vital purpose. Just amazing how dumb many people are. This snake was invasive, due to humans moving them to where they should not be. So it needed to be removed. But for animal hospital workers to pose with a dead snake is bizarre at best.”
Good thinking jon, only problem is that this is a BURMESE python. Its not indigenous to Florida. Which means its screwing up our ecosystem. They need to be eradicated because they kill snake species that are SUPPOSED to be here. And who cares if the workers held the snake. I doubt it changes how they feel about helping animals. Jesus calm down.
July 31st, 2009 at 1:23 pm
It was cruel to kill it. Hell, why don’t we all start killing wild cats and dogs that roam the streets? If we did that they would call it animal cruelty. So what the hell is the difference if its a cat, dog, deer, bear, or snake? They all have a right to live.
July 31st, 2009 at 1:30 pm
ooooohhhhhh can I get some new snake skin boots!!
July 31st, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Hey “Animal in Hobe Sound”. You are a punk. Sitting at your computer crying about Northern A Holes. This discussion had nothing to do with your obsession. Go back to your wife/sister/lover. You have a problem and this Northern A Hole would really enjoy helping you work through it - you punk behind a keyboard…You got a problem with northerners, find one, tell him you have a problem with him because he is from the north and when he’s done kickin your cracker ass, tell him you still have a problem with him so he can do it again….punk.
July 31st, 2009 at 1:40 pm
I would hate to be working in that animal hospital, seeing that there are no hot looking chicks around.
July 31st, 2009 at 1:45 pm
OH YOU PETA PEOPLE ARE WAY TO MUCH! IT WAS MURDED! I BET IT WAS STABBED A 1000 TIME AND KICKED AND BEAT AND CUT UP IN SMALL PIECES AND BLOOD OF THE ANIMAL SPEWED EVERYWHERE THEN DOUSED WITH GAS AND SET ON FIRE THEN ACID POURED ALL OVER IT THEN RAN OVER… OH HOW I WISH IT WOULD OF GOT ONE OF YOUR DOGS OR CATS!
July 31st, 2009 at 2:06 pm
Floridians are all useless assholes.
July 31st, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Killing any animal just to kill it is wrong.
The Government is training everyone to Panic over every invented fear with the help of the Media.
Its easy to say this and that about the Python Threat but in reality, there have been NO ATTACKS in years by Pythons in the Everglades.
They mainly eat Rats, which spread disease…..its just that the media loves to print this stuff….and in the end a lot of innocent snakes will be murdered by these ignorant bubbas with some State Permit to Kill them……
July 31st, 2009 at 2:25 pm
Hmm. Wonder how many pairs of boots that will make.
July 31st, 2009 at 2:34 pm
….I hope the morons that killed that wonderful animal get killed. I hope that “tron”, the author of posts #7 and #8, gets killed, too. That would be justice - there’s no excuse for maggots like them to be living while the innocent die due to their stupidity. C’mon karma - we need you now, baby…
July 31st, 2009 at 2:44 pm
That snake could have taken out a cow! It chased a child! When it comes to human preservation or the snake. Kill the damn snake!
If they could have saved the snake, who would have to pay to keep him alive. Just something to think about besides the fact the snake could have killed the eight workers in one wrap! Go Figure!
July 31st, 2009 at 2:54 pm
To bad all the idiot bleeding harts weren’t around when the Europeans were killing all the Native Americans, we’d still have this country. Aren’t Veterinarians are the ones you go to, to kill [euthanize] your pets when needed, this is what is needed, dummies.
July 31st, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Someone will correct me if I am wrong, but I do not believe the snake was killed by the workers at the animal hospital. The snake was observed by one or two young boys. They ran for help. An adult shot the snake. The snake was then taken to the animal hospital to see if it had a microchip in it. Apparently, someone could have been charged with something, if it had by releasing a non-native snake into the wild. There was no microchip. Let’s get our facts straight before we “attack” other people with negativity! Why not take a staff picture with a 17 ft., 200 lbs. 2″ in diameter snake. They work with animals. Do you think they see something that large everyday? It was professionally speaking probably pretty exciting and different, for these workers? Something to remember!
July 31st, 2009 at 3:00 pm
Wow, I hope there aren’t many more like that around - but it almost seems like a given that there are. Are our kids in danger?
July 31st, 2009 at 3:13 pm
To: “Disgusting Picture and People” commenter: Ghandi thought animals were his ancestors…………
July 31st, 2009 at 3:46 pm
These snakes are extremely dangerous. I have seen pictures of a snake of similar size killed in Indonesia. The villagers were looking for a missing child. This snake was killed within a 100 yards of their village. The swollen object in its stomach was fortunately a pig instead of a four year old child. I am not sure how old a 17 foot snake is but it has been, living and eating in the Everglades for probably more than a decade. This is what is scare. They are noticed until they become massive in size. Unfortunately by then they are terrifying.
July 31st, 2009 at 3:54 pm
Ummm, hello?! Snakes are about the last thing to kill the ecosystem! People will take that honor well before any animal will…
July 31st, 2009 at 4:13 pm
So what if it’s an invasive species. Humanity is an invasive species in this hemisphere! We definately need to do something about the human population in south Florida. Getting out of hand people.
And FYI, there have been about a handful of people/python related deaths in the world this year! Two or three maybe. Anybody care to guess how many people are killed by sharks? How about death by doggie? Hmmmm…
July 31st, 2009 at 4:15 pm
Under the new health care reform bill going though congress, the snake would have had medical care and prescription drug benefits and would be alive today.
July 31st, 2009 at 5:36 pm
All pythons should be eradicated from the US, they don’t belong here. Let one come in my yard & it won’t be looking as pretty as the one in the picture. The Lionfish is the next one in line that needs to be eradicated. And to all you animal lovers, do you have room for all these unwanted animals. I personally have rescued my last 3 dogs, what have you done to help?
July 31st, 2009 at 5:39 pm
The hypocrisy on this comment page is astounding. The snakes are invasive, yes. Guess what, humans are too and the development that selfish and greedy men and women have profited from in South FL is far more damaging to the ecosystem than a Bermese python.
To those of you wishing death on another poster…or their children (sick), what is wrong with you? How can you defend the life of a snake, but not another person? How can you defend the life of people in general but wish death on a child?
Yes, the media is blowing this out of proportion. Deaths in the US caused by pythons are actually in homes where pythons are kept as pets. Not in the Everglades. That’s not to say that attacks aren’t possible.
Are they dangerous? Yes. I certainly wouldn’t think a giant snake living outside of a home is any less dangerous than a gator. That being said, if you’re willing to live in state with gators and take the necessary precautions to keep your children and pets safe, why wouldn’t you do the same knowing pythons are out there?
It’s sad that an invasive species is potentially causing harm to such a fragile ecosystem, but it’s also sad how callous people are regarding the disposal of life. I’m sure the vet staff were not gloating over the death of this animal, but rather marveling over it’s tremendous size. I hope this picture gives irresponsible snake owners a glimpse at the reality of the future of their snakes if released into the wild, no matter how young.
July 31st, 2009 at 5:50 pm
These snakes do not belong in the wild in S. Florida. People should not be allowed to own them in S. Florida. All of them should be DESTROYED before they cause irrepairable harm to the Glades.
July 31st, 2009 at 6:50 pm
mmmmm…taste like chicken…
July 31st, 2009 at 7:57 pm
Too bad it was killed, but it is the fault of the IRRESPONSIBLE humans that hold little regard for animals , let alone themselves.
Just look at the way dogs and cats are euthanized by the thousands because a neighbor just lets them run loose.
Sick.
July 31st, 2009 at 9:02 pm
KILL KILL KILL.
STUPID OWNERS
July 31st, 2009 at 9:23 pm
Illegal aliens (mexicans) are also a threat to earths eco system.
July 31st, 2009 at 9:24 pm
the snakes need to go, so do the iguanas.. it does suck to have to kill something for no reason, but it has to be done, you cant put all the loose snakes in the zoo or research center, this is the only way. They really are doing harm in the glades, eating the endangered animals which include certain birds, gators, and panthers. people shouldnt be allow to own these animals in the first place.
and for those complaining about killing animals, think of all the other animals that get fed to the snakes.. how about the cute little bunnies????
July 31st, 2009 at 9:35 pm
I apologize for that last post, but we must do a better job of protecting the earth.
July 31st, 2009 at 9:38 pm
KILLING is Americas favorite sport. Pretty sick.
July 31st, 2009 at 10:19 pm
Burmese pythons belong in…Burma…! If you think it is such a shame to kill an invasive specie, why not travel to Burma and visit with the pythons on their home turf. You would even be able to find out what the folks in Burma think of them; whether they eat them, or, do they keep them as pets??? I hope the legislature expands the hunt and lets everyone join in and rid our state of invasive species.
August 1st, 2009 at 7:27 am
Lauren’s a crackpot.
August 1st, 2009 at 11:41 pm
We will let all of you who want to save these monster snakes to come on out and be the catchers. You can capture the snakes and haul them to wherever you think will take them. Then we will let you feed them the live animals they require for food. You can have the bill for all this as well.
Believe me, the clinic workers were not celebrating the death of the snake. They were overwhelmed by its size and the potential danger of it.
August 2nd, 2009 at 2:42 pm
I am one of these women that are terrified of snakes.Just seeing this photo made me cringe. I love Fla and hate to think of driving Alligator Alley and seeing one of these monsters. I agree w/all the folks who talk of the cost of feeding one of these critters,for maybe years.I think they are only grown for shoes w/matching bag and belt. Kill them all for the pelts.
August 3rd, 2009 at 1:20 pm
Hey Barb - how ’bout they kill YOU and donate your hair and organs? Or, perhaps, give your remaining skeleton to a school?
I mean, hey, what the he11, you make me cringe, and, besides,
it’s costing money to feed you.
December 24th, 2009 at 7:30 am
Holy krap that thing is huge. I’m glad they took that animals life away it could have killed a child it coudld have killed an adult.
sincerly, Haylie Ann lamb
GOOD RIDENCE
January 30th, 2010 at 3:19 pm
Okay:
Since 1990, 12 people have died from constrictor attacks in the United States, as opposed to nearly SIX HUNDRED deaths from LIGHTNING STRIKES. That’s right, despite the hysterical need to demonize snakes and those who own them, you are more likely to die from lightning than you are from a python in the everglades.
There are several more animals both domestic:
Pit bull deaths: 12 per year.
Bee sting deaths: 31 per year.
Horse deaths: 105 per year.
White tailed deer: 130 deaths per year by car collision.
Venomous snakes actually account for more deaths per year about 6 on average in the US. There are BILLIONS of venomous snakes in this country, yet with so few deaths, can we state that we under siege by them. The python in the everglades competes for the same prey as venomous species, thus controlling THEIR population. Pythons will also kill and eat gators, which are a REAL THREAT to human beings in the everglades. Also, note that, if the Nutria population were not so huge, the pythons would have nothing to feed upon, so, they control the nuisance of that wild rodent as well.
Finally, the animal responsible for more human death in the world is the lowly mosquito, accounting for about two million malaria fatalities a year.
The commentary in this thread advocating the ban of owning a giant constrictor is baseless and hysterical. It is an example of institutional/cultural “Ophidiophobia” or the ABNORMAL fear of snakes. One single tragic story of a child’s death and such hysteria will roll right over facts and thus reality.