Homeowner wrestles 8-foot snake found in his garage

PEMBROKE PINES, FL (WPLG/CNN) – A Florida homeowner ended up with a bite Friday when he came face-to-face with an 8-foot python in his garage.

Homeowner Joseph Liscinsky says he’s seen plenty of wildlife, including alligators and Nile monitors, in his 22 years in Pembroke Pines, FL.

But for the first time in nearly two decades, Liscinsky got a scary, slithery surprise when he found a python within striking distance of his dog.

"I was startled. My heart went 'boom!'” Liscinsky said.

Liscinsky says he immediately called his neighbor, who brought him a broom and a pillowcase.

"I… held its head down and picked it up, and then it did an automatic wrap around,” he said.

The homeowner managed to get the snake inside the pillowcase where he kept it until wildlife officials arrived.

In the struggle, the non-venomous snake got a hold of Liscinsky’s hand with its razor-sharp teeth, but Liscinsky says he’s just thankful his dog is still alive.

"That thing would've wrapped this dog up, broke its bones and ate him,” Liscinsky said.

Liscinsky believes the snake was hiding out in a nearby canal and made its way into his garage overnight.

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