When a Florida driver checked their car Thursday morning (October 29), they were shocked at what they found. A 10-foot Burmese python was coiled under the hood of their Food Mustang, WFLA reported. The incident happened in Dania Beach, and officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) were quick to respond and safely capture the snake.
"This is a success for native wildlife since pythons prey on native birds, mammals and reptiles. Thanks to the citizen who reported the python to us. We rely on reports from the public to help us quickly respond and remove these species," FWC officials said in a Facebook post.
Earlier this month, two python removal agents caught a record-breaking Burmese python along the L-28 Tieback Canal about 35 miles west of Miami, according to FWC. The invasive reptile was 18 feet and 9 inches long. The previous record for the longest python caught was just one inch shorter, NBC Miami reported.
Burmese pythons are an invasive species in Florida's environments. They were introduced to the Sunshine State's ecosystems around 15 years ago as escaped or released pets. Since these pythons have no natural predator, their increasing populations have increased. It's illegal to release them in the wild because the snakes negatively affect Florida's local plants and animals.
Photos: Courtesy of Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission