Giant Python Found In Malaysia Could Be World's Longest
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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (CBSMiami) -- A quarter-ton snake that was found nestling on a building site could be the longest ever captured in Malaysia, officials said Tuesday.
The reticulated python was a whopping 25 feet long and weighed a staggering 550 pounds.
The giant creature was discovered on Penang island by construction workers and kept in an office, where it was fed and watered while wildlife experts were contacted.
However, the python died on Sunday after laying an egg, according to a spokesman for the civil defense department.
"We are so sad this happened," he said. "We have rescued many other snakes and animals before. We're not sure why the snake died.
"We fed it mice, other meats and gave (it) water, just like we gave other snakes in the past."
Curious locals flocked to the office over the weekend to catch a glimpse of the mighty reptile, with one person reportedly offering $1,300 for it.
The civil defense spokesman said the snake was certainly one of the longest found in Malaysia.
The longest snake in captivity -- also a reticulated python -- is named Medusa and lives in Kansas City, Missouri. Medsa was 25 feet, 2 inches long when she was measured in October of 2011, according to the website of Guinness World Records.
