Snake's 'boyfriend’ leads hunters to largest python in Florida Everglades

Catch of pregnant female carrying 73 eggs is more than 17ft long as environmentalists struggle to eradicate the non-native species

Snake hunters have captured what they say is the largest python ever found in the swamps of the Florida Everglades: a pregnant female more than 17ft (5.2 metres) long and weighing 140lb, or 63.5kg.

The team from the Big Cypress national preserve posted news of their record-setting catch in a Facebook post that also noted the giant reptile was carrying 73 eggs.