PORT ST. LUCIE, Florida. — A large snake has been spotted near a neighborhood in Port St. Lucie. Sgt. John Holman of the Port St. Lucie Police Department arrived on the scene and found a dead cat in an empty lot. He also spotted an approximately 12-foot, 120-pound Burmese python.
Holman said it’s likely the python has been feasting on neighborhood cats, and he advises residents to keep a close eye on their pets.
“It’s not exactly the kind of thing you see every day,” Holman said.
After spotting the python, he wisely decided to call for backup.
Keel, who has lived in the area for about 10 years, said she’s seen the snake a few times before.
“I’m not too surprised because it’s been here before,” Keel said. “I’ve seen it cross the street. It’s big.”
Keel wonders what happened to the animals in her neighborhood. She has always enjoyed watching the little critters scamper around, but in the past few weeks, they have all disappeared. Keel chalked it up to natural selection, but now she’s not so sure. It seems awfully suspicious that a neighborhood cat would just up and die, with no explanation. Keel is worried that something bigger is out there, preying on the helpless animals. She plans to keep a closer eye on her surroundings from now on, in case whatever is responsible for the deaths comes back for more.
Police say that Sgt. John Holman recognized the python as one of the snakes that has been banned in Florida. This means that the large Burmese python was likely illegally owned and could be dangerous.
The third-party who has a license to house the snake is very experienced in working with pythons and is confident that he can keep the snake from preying on any more cats.
Pythons in Suburbs
Pythons are a type of nonvenomous snake that is often found in Africa, Asia, and Australia. According to National Geographic, they are some of the largest snakes in the world. Burmese pythons, specifically, can grow to be up to 23 feet long and weigh up to 200 pounds.
Pythons kill their prey by constricting them, which means they wrap their bodies around the animal until it suffocates. This method of killing is very efficient, and pythons can even swallow animals that are bigger than their own heads.
Pythons are not typically aggressive towards humans, but they have been known to attack people if they feel threatened.
While pythons are not venomous, they can still be dangerous to humans. If you see a python, it is best to call animal control or the police so that they can safely remove the snake.
Professional Snake Removal
If you have a python or any snakes around your home or property, you may be wondering how to get rid of them.
The best way to remove a snake is to call a professional who specializes in snake removal. These professionals have the training and equipment necessary to safely capture and remove snakes.
If you are trying to remove a snake yourself, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, always wear gloves when handling a snake, even if you think it is safe. Second, be very careful when trying to capture the snake. If you are not experienced in handling snakes, it is easy to get bitten. Finally, make sure to properly secure the snake before transporting it anywhere.
If you have a snake on your property, the best thing you can do is call a professional like AAAC Wildlife Removal to remove it. Attempting to remove the snake yourself can be dangerous and should only be done if you are experienced in handling snakes.
Final Word
If you are in need of a professional snake removal company, AAAC Wildlife Removal Company is here to help. We have years of experience in dealing with snakes and other wildlife, and our team is trained to safely capture and remove snakes from your property.
Call us today to schedule a consultation. We will come to your property and assess the situation, and then we will develop a plan to safely and effectively remove the snake.
At AAAC Wildlife Removal, your safety is our top priority. We will do everything we can to ensure that you and your family are safe from harm when there is a snake on your property.
The news originally from: https://www.wpbf.com/article/python-with-an-appetite-for-cats-caught-in-port-st-lucie/1323023
