CHRISTMAS, Fla. — The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is looking into how a 9-foot green anaconda ended up on the banks of the St. Johns River.
It is a mystery that may never be solved, as the snake was not microchipped.
A fisherman spotted the snake Wednesday on the bank of the river near the Orange-Brevard county line in Christmas.
Photos: 9-foot anaconda near Orange-Brevard County line
Authorities made it to the scene in time to keep the snake from entering the river. It was killed as it tried to get away.
The snake is a non-native species native to South America that threatens the local ecosystem. Considering the size of the snake, it could have also posed a threat to people swimming in the water, officials said.
Possession of large constrictors like the anaconda found Wednesday is closely regulated by the state, and microchips are mandatory.
Airboat captain Derrick Lockhart said that in his 25 years on the St. Johns, he’s never seen anything like the anaconda.
“I wouldn’t want to be swimming out there … and have one sneak up and grab ahold of you,” he said.
Anyone who sees non-native fish and wildlife is asked to report sightings to the FWC's Invasive Species Hotline at 1-888-IveGot1 (1-888-483-4861), online at IVEGOT1.org or by using the free smartphone app IVEGOT1.
Anyone who would like to provide hands-on help to combat non-native species in Florida can register for the Python Challenge. Pythonchallenge.org.
WFTV
