Residents in one Southwest Miami-Dade neighborhood were greeted with quite the sight Tuesday night – an eight foot long Burmese Python snake.
The Venom One crew from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to the area near SW 8th Street and 137th Avenue after 8 PM. The snake was found by three cyclists in the area, who thought it was a giant branch and walked toward it. The snake began to move and the cyclists fled to call authorities.
Rescue crews were able to capture the snake, which will be turned over to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Officials say the Burmese Python is one of the largest snakes in the world, sometimes reaching 10 feet in length. The snake is very active from the months of April to October, eating as much as possible before the temperatures go down and they need to find a heat source to survive.
Homeowners are advised to keep their yards free of clutter, avoid tall plants and ground level water sources in an effort to keep the snakes from being attracted to the area.
Local
In February, 106 Burmese pythons were captured during a month-long, state-sanctioned hunt. Thousands of the invasive snakes are believed to be stalking Florida wildlife in the beleaguered Everglades.
