Largest Burmese Python Nest Found In FL Everglades With 111 Eggs

SOUTH FLORIDA — The largest Burmese python nest was found with a record 111 unhatched eggs in the Everglades, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission wrote in a Facebook post.

The invasive snakes’ nest was found by Brandon Rahe, a contractor with the agency’s Python Action Team Removing Invasive Constrictors (PATRIC) program. These contractors work year-round to remove non-native snakes “from the sensitive Everglades ecosystem” throughout the year, FWC said.

“I’m lucky enough to have found (two) active nests so far, helping to remove future generations of monster snakes where they don’t belong,” Rahe wrote on his Facebook page.

• Also Read: FL Men Break World Record For Longest Burmese Python Ever Caught

He shared a video of himself traveling through the Everglades by boat, capturing the snake protecting her nest and removing the nest on his YouTube channel. The video shows the snake laying eggs as he captured her.

Non-contractors can also help remove pythons during the annual Florida Python Challenge, which takes place Aug. 4-13 this year, FWC said. Cash prizes will be awarded in the competition. More information can be found at flpythonchallenge.org.

Those who aren’t quite ready to register for the challenge can take the FWC’s free virtual Python Patrol training with the agency’s biologists on Thursday, 7 p.m.

The training teaches attendees how to identify Burmese pythons and report sightings, as well as how to search for, safely capture and humanely kill them. No prior snake handling experience is needed. Learn more about the training at the FWC website.