A family's heroic effort to catch a massive invasive Burmese python has saved hundreds of potential deer and native animals from being consumed by these deadly predators.
Professional snake hunter Carl Jackson and his family were on a mission in Florida's Everglades when they came across the enormous reptile, measuring 16 feet and weighing over 200 pounds. The python wrapped itself around Jackson's leg and dragged him 15 feet before he managed to wrestle it free with the help of his wife Tasha and their two children.
The python was a behemoth, making this family's catch not only their greatest success but also one of the most significant in recent history. For Jackson, who has been fascinated by python hunting like those seen on TV since childhood, catching such a massive snake is a dream come true.
As if that wasn't enough, they also managed to destroy 200 eggs and eliminate even more potential threats from these deadly creatures in the Everglades ecosystem. With this family's help, local wildlife officials are now one step closer to reducing the python population and protecting native species.
Burmese pythons, as massive snakes with no natural predators, have been wreaking havoc on Florida's wildlife since their introduction decades ago. By linking them to declining populations of small mammals such as rabbits, raccoons, opossums, bobcats, and foxes, the dangers posed by these invasive species can now be better understood.
Jackson noted that by destroying 200 eggs, they effectively eliminated potential deer and native animals from being consumed by these massive reptiles.
Professional snake hunter Carl Jackson and his family were on a mission in Florida's Everglades when they came across the enormous reptile, measuring 16 feet and weighing over 200 pounds. The python wrapped itself around Jackson's leg and dragged him 15 feet before he managed to wrestle it free with the help of his wife Tasha and their two children.
The python was a behemoth, making this family's catch not only their greatest success but also one of the most significant in recent history. For Jackson, who has been fascinated by python hunting like those seen on TV since childhood, catching such a massive snake is a dream come true.
As if that wasn't enough, they also managed to destroy 200 eggs and eliminate even more potential threats from these deadly creatures in the Everglades ecosystem. With this family's help, local wildlife officials are now one step closer to reducing the python population and protecting native species.
Burmese pythons, as massive snakes with no natural predators, have been wreaking havoc on Florida's wildlife since their introduction decades ago. By linking them to declining populations of small mammals such as rabbits, raccoons, opossums, bobcats, and foxes, the dangers posed by these invasive species can now be better understood.
Jackson noted that by destroying 200 eggs, they effectively eliminated potential deer and native animals from being consumed by these massive reptiles.