MELBOURNE, Fla. (AP) - State wildlife officers say the shot and killed a 9-foot-long green anaconda in central Florida.
Florida Today reports that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission received a report about the non-native snake Monday evening. FWC spokesman Lenny Salberg says the snake was found on a St. Johns River embankment near Midway Airboat Rides. The spokesman says officers tried to capture the snake but ended up shooting it when it tried to escape.
Green anacondas are native to South America and can grow to nearly 30 feet long. Officials weren't sure how Monday's snake got to Florida. They are illegal to own as pets.
