Large python removed from Matheson Hammock Park

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, police capture 8-9 foot snake found in tree

MIAMI ā€“ A South Florida park lived up to its promise of giving visitors an up-close look at nature.

On Wednesday, officers from the Miami-Dade police marine unit and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue were called to Matheson Hammock Park in Miami, when a large python was seen nestling in a tree.

The python was measured to be between 8 and 9 feet.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue spokeswoman Erika Benitez said a pole was used to encourage the snake out of the tree. Lt. Lisa Wood was ready and captured the python before the snake could slither away.

Programs designed to eradicate the non-native pythons from South Florida have been ongoing for over a decade.

Benitez said the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission would decide whether the snake could be used for educational purposes.

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