WPLG (Miami, Florida) 24 November 04 11-Foot Python Caught Near Neighborhood Lake
The sign posted on the shore of a southwest Miami-Dade County lake warns residents about alligators and poisonous snakes, but it doesn't mention anything about 11-foot Burmese pythons. After today, maybe they'll add it to the list.
Capt. Al Cruz of the county's Anti-Venom unit wrangled the big python today after it bit off more than it could chew.
"He was eating more than he could take in," Cruz said. "Basically snakes can eat three times their width, but this (duck) was about seven times more."
Burmese pythons aren't poisonous but they can grow to lengths of 16 feet. They're popular pets, but when they get lose, they can pose a danger to humans.
"We have caught several of these lately. Apparently people are releasing them and they're becoming a nuisance," Cruz said.
Today's capture frightened many residents who live around the lake.
"There are a lot of kids. And I know that they even take the raft out into the lake," said resident Helen Villegas.
"I'm really scared. It could eat a person, too -- a little child," said resident Jennifer Lugo.
The snake has been taken to a wildlife sanctuary where children go to learn about the animals.
11-Foot Python Caught Near Neighborhood Lake