Slithering Surprise

AVON PARK - When Dan Evers showed up to work Monday morning, he thought someone was playing a joke on him.

A 9-foot Burmese python was stretched out along the sidewalk, snuggled against the wall of his State Farm Insurance office at 706 Main St.

"I was looking around for the cameras," Evers said. "Then it lifted its head just a little, and I realized this was no joke."

Avon Park police officers arrived on the scene, wrangled the python into the back of a police cruiser and took it to the police station, where Darryl Scott, animal control director for Highlands County, picked it up.

Scott said the female snake is friendly, gentle and likes being handled, which means it was likely someone's pet.

Judging from the large bulge in the 50-pound snake, it had likely eaten in the early morning hours of Monday, Scott said.

"It probably ate a small dog or cat because that bulge is too big to be a rabbit," Scott said.

Animal control officials tracked down the owner of the snake, who is visiting someone who lives about a block from Main Street in Avon Park. Scott said the people the owner was visiting said they put the snake on the screen porch and "have no idea how it could have got away."

Amateur herpetologist Daniel Parker, who keeps about 300 snakes, said it's disappointing to hear about an incident like this.

"These snakes are very strong and can push out of unsecured cages or sometimes they get too big and people don't know what do with them, so they let them go," Parker said. "Either way, it's irresponsible of the keeper."

Scott said he doubts the owner will claim the python because he is facing fees from animal control and Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.

The Burmese python has become an invasive species of snakes in the Everglades after pet owners dropped large quantities of unwanted snakes there.

Parker said the species is actually breeding in that area and becoming harmful to the ecosystem. When the snakes grow to about 10 feet, they have very few predators.

"A large alligator is probably the only predator it would have," Parker said.

Incidents like these have caused FWC to increase its regulations for Burmese pythons and other reptiles of concern, with new stricter rules taking effect Jan. 1.

People who possess these reptiles as pets must be at least 18 years old and complete an application and questionnaire for the free permit. The applicant must demonstrate knowledge of the reptile of concern by answering questions about the species, dietary needs and safe housing requirements.

People who possess reptiles of concern will have to ensure their pets are permanently identified by implanting a microchip once the reptile reaches 2 inches in diameter. They also must meet specific record-keeping, reporting, safe housing and minimum cage requirements.

Violations of these rules could lead to non-criminal infractions ($50 fine) up to criminal misdemeanor charges (up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine).