14-Foot Python Captured After Long Struggle
Posted: 8:13 am EDT July 27, 2009Updated: 1:27 pm EDT July 27, 2009
MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. -- A wildlife expert caught a python measuring more than 14 feet over the weekend in west Florida. Wildlife expert Justin Matthews of Matthews' Wildlife Rescue, an animal care and educational company, and his son ended up dragging the snake out of a pipe without being bitten on Saturday. It took six people to hold it down and measure it.
SEE THE SNAKE: Giant Python Pulled Out Of Drainpipe
Matthews thinks the snake has been in the area for years living off Muscovy ducks from a nearby pond. As a wildlife expert and instructor, Matthews has permits to take pythons and other large reptiles. The snake will be taken to an animal clinic to scan its body for a microchip. Matthews says that if it has one there will be consequences for its owner. If not, Matthews will use it for his classes.The State of Florida recently declared war on the out-of-control python population.
SEE THE SNAKE: Giant Python Pulled Out Of Drainpipe
Matthews thinks the snake has been in the area for years living off Muscovy ducks from a nearby pond. As a wildlife expert and instructor, Matthews has permits to take pythons and other large reptiles. The snake will be taken to an animal clinic to scan its body for a microchip. Matthews says that if it has one there will be consequences for its owner. If not, Matthews will use it for his classes.The State of Florida recently declared war on the out-of-control python population.
Copyright 2009 by WFTV.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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