Posted on 07/14/2023 11:32:01 AM PDT by Morgana
This is the shocking moment a snake hunter wrestled a 19ft Burmese python said to be the longest ever found in the US.
The video, taken in the Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida, shows snake hunter Jake Waleri, 22, grab the 125lb python by the neck after it lunges at him with opens jaws.
Mr Waleri grapples with the python, which is as long as an adult giraffe is tall, and wrestles it to the ground as onlookers exclaim: 'Oh my God! Let's go!'
Another man asks: 'Have you got tape on you, I know you carry tape,' as they subdue the female snake and wrap tape around its jaws shortly after.
In Florida, it is legal to catch and kill Burmese pythons which have no natural predators.
The captured Burmese python is the longest ever found in the US, according to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. The previous record in Florida was 18ft 9in.
Burmese pythons are one of the biggest snake species in the world and are an introduced species in the US.
They have become a serious problem in wilderness areas of Florida, where they prey on native animals like raccoons, opossums, white-tailed deer and alligators.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
Rattlebugs thick as thieves around Menard (Diamondbacks).
I live in Henderson County, we just have Timber Rattlers. The get huge, but they haul butt if they hear/feel you walking. I have seen a total of one since I have lived here.
Decapitate, don’t negotiate!
Well, since they obviously weighed it, I'm going with that they said.....
Pan-fried snake tastes very good.
Another weapon released within the US.
That dude could make a lot of neat Cowboy Boots.
A friend of mine was a reptile breeder. He said there's a rule of thumb snake handlers use to determine how many men needed to subdue a large snake. I forget the feet/man ratio now but I think it was about 9ft per man.
He said what happens is you wrestle a snake (smaller than this) and it seems like you're doing ok but then you get tired and you relax for a moment to catch your breath. The snake senses it and tightens on you - rinse and repeat.
Incredible. I know in Florida there was some story about one of these going through an upstairs window (so drainpipe or tree access) left open a little, and sadly, killing their toddler. They walked in the room and the snake was fully wrapped around the child. Gah! I would think this man cannot forget this episode and may awaken in the night from vivid dreams.
“Too many encounters with the things. Y’all know a few from previous posts. Had a 6’ racer fly up and smack me between the eyes and his cousin did figure eights around my feet, etc. The kitties love dropping live wigglies at my feet.”
I’ve been chased by them and they are mean! Stepped on a Copperhead when I was squirrel hunting and that was a dance too.
“At least they didn’t release cobras and mambas out into the Everglades.”
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It appears your assumption may be incorrect:
I will leave any snake be… except for a moccasin. I will hunt them down with extreme prejudice
Great... just great.
Tastes like chicken.
Will make a dozen pairs of cowboy boots, easy
not outta the head!! i dont think the taxidermy would care much if the skinning job didnt have a head attached! just sayin.... lol...
you forgot the looter guy in that pic!!
Speciesism run amok.
$50/head paid by State of Florida, any size- So 400$ days are not out of the ordinary.
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Florida:
Python removal agents will be paid:
An hourly rate ($13.00 per hour or $18.00 per hour depending on the area) for up to ten (10) hours each day while actively searching for pythons on designated lands.
An additional incentive payment of $50.00 for each python measuring up to four (4) feet plus an extra $25.00 for each foot measured above four (4) feet. See example below:
An additional $200.00 for each verified active nest.
https://www.sfwmd.gov/our-work/python-program
Don’t know— pretty sure they are licensed hunters by the FL Fish and Wildlife Service. State registered/licensed.
Thanks- it has been updated and professionally paid to professionals... not some wannabees for tv or you tub shorts postings. These are pros even the young ones— but that was a huge catch at 19 feet. They are constrictors after all.
Thanks again. This has been going on for over ten years plus.
Yeah man, no doubt.
Good Lord from the size of that thing it was living high on the hog, so to speak.
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