Python captured in Malaysia could be the longest snake ever caught

A huge python found on a construction site in Malaysia could take the record for the longest snake ever to be caught with initial estimates at eight metres (26ft).



The reticulated python, a species found in south-east Asia and widely considered as the longest reptile species, was spotted where a flyover was being built in Paya Terubong, a district on the island and tourist haven of Penang.

Herme Herisyam from Malaysia’s civil defence force, the department that caught the snake, said that workers from the construction site called the emergency services on Thursday and authorities took 30 minutes to trap the snake. “It is eight metres in length and weighs about 250kg (551lbs),” he said.



It is currently being held at the civil defence headquarters, but will be handed to the state wildlife department. The Guinness Book of World Records gives the honour of longest snake ever in captivity to Medusa, also a reticulated python, who lives in Missouri, US. She was measured at 7.67 metres (24ft) in the 2011 edition and still holds the title. She is said to weigh 158.8kg (350lbs), over 90kg (200lbs) lighter than the Malaysian specimen.

Update: Sadly, the python later died.