Green Anaconda Captured In Central Florida Neighborhood

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MELBOURNE (CBSMiami) - For the second time in recent months, a green anaconda has been found in central Florida.

Last Wednesday, February 3rd, an 8-foot, 8-inch green anaconda was turned over to Florida Fish and Wildlife after it was captured in the Oxford Ridge neighborhood of Melbourne.

It was euthanized and turned over to biologists to determine reproductive status, contents of its stomach and overall health.

An examination found the snake had recently eaten a domestic rat, which leads investigators to believe that it had been privately owned in the recent past. The snake did not have a PIT (Passive Integrated Transponder) tag as required by state law for this species.

Earlier, in November, a different green anaconda had been found near the Brevard and Orange county line. It also was not PIT tagged, and a determination on private ownership cannot be made since the remains were not examined by biologists.

Green anacondas, which are found in northern South America, are considered to be the largest snake in the world. Female snakes can reach 26 feet and can feed on medium- and large-sized prey.

The FWC listed the green anaconda as a conditional species in 2010, which prohibited ownership in the state for personal use. This species of anaconda is also listed as an injurious species under the federal Lacey Act, which prohibits importing them and interstate transportation of them without a federal permit.