Guys Capture Huge 18 Ft. Python, Unaware Of Contest

18ft Python Catch

Joshua Laquis

A group of guys capture a huge 18 Ft. python and we're unaware of the contest going on.

According to the college students, they are thrill seekers and decided they wanted to go to Florida and that's when they heard about the big pythons.

Right now, the Python Challenge is going on and it lasts for 10 days. Big money is offered up for the longest and the most pythons captured. However, the college students were not registered for the contest. Those who are registered are eligible to win the Top prizes are $2500 for the most pythons caught and $1500 for the longest. Also, they may have caught the longest one.

According to records, the biggest python ever caught weighed in at 215 lbs and is 18ft long and was caught in the Everglades.

They caught the snake in 10 minutes. One grabbed the head of the snake, one grabbed the tail, and the third grabbed the body. They just happened to be at the right place at the right time when the snake was crossing the road.

Surprisingly, the snake was 18-foot, 104-pounds and is one of the biggest pulled out of the Everglades.

Pythons Are Taking Over the Florida Everglades

Since 2000, more than 17,000 pythons have been removed from the Everglades ecosystem. Burmese pythons are considered a danger to the ecosystem and wildlife that live in the Everglades. The Challenge happens every year to help.

How ironic that they never even signed up for the challenge? They didn't even know about it and just went down for fun to catch a snake, but instead they caught a huge snake. Nevertheless, the guys capture a huge 18 Ft. python, but was unaware of the contest going on.

The guys are three college students. Joshua who we talked to attends Rollins College in Winter Park. They love adventure which is apparent by at their Instagram. There are posts about extreme sports – skydiving, base jumping, paragliding – lots of adventurous pictures.

They came to south Florida to see if they could catch a snake....and they did. A huge 18 Ft. python, unaware of the Python Challenge going on in Florida.

What You Say To Your Kids On The First Day Of School

For most of the kids in the Tampa Bay area it's back to school this week. So, what do you say to your kids on their first day of school?

Here is a list of the most encouraging saying to tell you kids as they start the school year.

"You're capable of anything you set your mind to."

"It's about the journey, not just the destination."

"Treat others how you want to be treated."

"Don't let your peers' actions affect how you feel about yourself."

"Every mistake is a lesson."

"I believe in you and I support you."

"Magic happens outside of your comfort zone."

"I'm going to drop you off, then you'll meet your teacher, and have lunch…"

"I can't wait to hear about your day."

"Be yourself."

challenge College Python snake South Florida

Tampa Bay's Morning KreweAuthor

Launa is part of Tampa Bay's Hometown Morning Krewe on 99.5 WQYK. She has been with the station for 7 years and joined J.R. and Kevin on the morning show 4 years ago. Since then, they have been nominated for not only a CMA but also an ACM. Launa has been in radio for the past 28 years and in the Tampa Bay market for 22 of those years. While working in radio, Launa has also served as an entertainment reporter on a local TV show and has hosted many charity events in the community. Using her popularity from QYK, Launa loves to help raise money for shelter animals and has been a volunteer at local shelters for years. Launa loves the community and writes articles on local news, entertainment, and events and highlights people who are shining in Tampa Bay that she knows others like her would also be interested in reading.