14 Foot Burmese Python Caught in Florida

By Alicia Cruz
Senior writer
Theblackurbantimes

Bradenton, Florida - A 14-foot, 107-pound Burmese Python snake was caught in a drainage ditch in Manatee County, Florida by professional trapper, Jonathan Matthews.
Matthews arrived after being alerted by neighbors who had spotted the snake over several months. " I hated to do it, said Matthews, "but I had to hit him upside his head a few times because he lunged at me twice and [he] was hissing the whole time."
Police and wildlife officials have begun searching Florida hoping to catch and kill as many of the snakes as they can. One official stated that there are "Tens of thousands" of these non-native snakes slithering through Florida.
Wildlife officials stepped up their efforts after the death of a two-year-old child who was strangled by a Burmese Python that was being kept as a pet, illegally, in the home she lived in.
Matthews stated that many of these snakes were once someone's pet. "Like some dog owners, these snake owners let their animals loose trying to do the right thing," said Matthews. But in the opinion of officals and residents, they're creating a public threat.
Matthwes added that the Burmese Python is in "direct competition with the American Alligator for the spot of 'top predator'."
The capture of this 14-foot snake is believed to be the largest ever caught in Florida.