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17-Foot Burmese Python Caught In Okeechobee County

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Jul 31, 2009 6:16 pm US/Eastern

17-Foot Burmese Python Caught In Okeechobee County

Reporting
Lisa Cilli
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OKEECHOBEE COUNTY (CBS4) ― A Burmese python, that measured more than 17-feet, was captured and destroyed in Okeechobee County on Thursday. The male snake weighed 207 pounds and measured 26 inches in diameter.

The giant snake was caught on the property of the Okeechobee Veterinary Hospital and destroyed, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said.

The reptile did not have a microchip, which is required for it to be a pet, officials said.

"The capture of this large python shows us how well these snakes can thrive in the wild and create a dangerous situation after illegal release or escape," said commission chairman Rodney Barreto. "It also illustrates why the FWC is partnering with other agencies to implement python control measures in South Florida. We will continue to push for additional measures to control the spread of Burmese pythons in the Everglades where they are reproducing in large numbers."

On July 17, the FWC launched a permit program allowing reptile experts to capture and euthanize Burmese pythons on state-managed lands around the Everglades.

To date, seven permits have been issued and five pythons have been captured. Several more permits will be issued in the coming weeks.

The permit holders must collect data on captured pythons and submit that information to the FWC.

The program continues until Oct. 31, when the commission will analyze the data and determine if the program should be extended or expanded.

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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