Matthew Kogo, a renowned python hunter known as “Pythonswampman,” recently captured a massive 17-foot Burmese python in the Everglades at the Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area. Kogo shared videos of the encounter on his Facebook and Instagram pages, showcasing his calm demeanor while handling the large female snake.
On his Facebook page, Kogo posted about the capture on June 24, describing it as a peaceful and relaxing weekend with moments of intense action. He shared a brief account of the capture, stating it was a quick grab followed by some quality playtime with the big snake.
In another post, Kogo shared a still photo of himself holding the giant snake, writing, “17 foot python!!! Snatched up and removed from the glades. That’s how it’s done son!”
The videos are particularly astonishing due to the size of the snake and Kogo’s composed behavior during the capture. He is seen wearing a headlamp for a night hunt, as this is the time of year when Burmese pythons are most active in the Everglades.
While this capture is not a record for length, it is certainly in the conversation. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission keeps records of Burmese pythons that are reported to the FWC, but not all pythons may be reported. The longest Burmese python captured, according to the FWC, was a 19-foot female caught on July 10, 2023, in the Big Cypress National Preserve.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press.
