FWC officers remove large python from busy road

FWC officers remove large python from busy road

POSTED 10/10/2008 - Law enforcement officers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) removed a Burmese python from Indiantown Road near Sierra Square Plaza in Jupiter Farms late Monday night.

Officers used a catch pole to secure the nonvenomous snake. The snake, which was

approximately 12 feet long and weighed 100 pounds, appeared to be injured and may have been hit by a car. The snake was taken to Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter.

The FWC believes this python, a nonnative species, is a released pet. It is illegal to release any nonnative species into the wild in Florida. Nonnative reptiles released into the wild may prey on native species.

Burmese pythons are classified as "reptiles of concern" by the FWC. People possessing any of these species must have an FWC permit and pay an annual fee of $100. Owners of pet reptiles of concern must also meet strict caging and facility requirements. Rules and regulations are online at MyFWC.com/nonnatives/ruleregs.html.

People may surrender their unwanted nonnative pets free of charge, no questions asked, at the FWC’s pet amnesty days. The next local nonnative pet amnesty day will be November 22, 2009, at the Jacksonville Zoo. For more information, please go to www.MyFWC.com/nonnatives/AmnestyDayEvents.html.