8 Meter Python Captured in Malaysia May Be Longest Ever Caught
Posted on April 11, 2016
An 8-meter (26 feet) snake captured in Penang, Malaysia may be the longest python ever caught. The longest snake ever caught on record is 7.67 meters according to the Guinness World Records.
BBC News reports that the snake was captured on a Malaysian building site. It was spotted under a tree. The python died in captivity after giving birth.
The snake is said to be a reticulated python. It has not been officially measured. The python died before it could be transferred to the Department of Wildlife in Malaysia. It reportedly laid one egg and then went "quiet." It may have died from a combination of stress caused by laying eggs and being captured and carried around by many humans. It is also possible the large python was already unwell since it was out in the open and easily visible.
The Mirror reports that Herme Herisyam from the Malaysia Civil Defence Department says the enormous snake weighed about 250 kilograms (551 pounds). The largest pythons tend to be females.
Medusa, a reticulated python, living in Kansas City holds the title of the longest snake (living) in captivity. It is 7.67 meters (25 feet, 2 inches) long according to the Guinness World Records site. Medusa weighs 158.8 kg (350 lbs).