Some Manatee County residents are on edge as a the search for a missing python continues.
- Missing python in a Manatee County neighborhood
- Professional snake hunter called to find snake
- Snake may be a Burmese Python
Ancient Oaks is usually a pretty quiet neighborhood, but ever since a new "neighbor" moved in, things have gotten a little scary.
Helen Borman first spotted the snake on her wildlife camera.
"I wasn't sure that's what I was looking at. I had to blow it up and I said, 'Geeze, that might be a big snake.," Borman said.
The snake was laying on the edge of Borman's yard in a massive pile, and ever since, neighbors have been on the look out.
"Another neighbor, and her husband and son, saw the snake about a month ago," Borman said.
Despite all the sightings, no one has been able to catch what appears to be a Burmese Python--one of the five largest species of snakes in the world.
Now, professional python hunter Bill Booth is on the case.
"You don't expect something like this in Manatee County. We spend a lot of time in the Everglades chasing pythons and to have it right here in the backyard, I'm definitely interested in finding this thing," Booth said.
Booth spent the day getting a lay of the land and introducing himself to neighbors. He plans to come back out at night with a thermal imaging drone that will hopefully show him where the snake may be hiding out. Then he'll make his move.
"The snake could be anywhere. It may be here today and over here tomorrow--just keep an eye out for it," Booth said.
Booth said he believes someone likely had the python as a pet and decide they didn't want it anymore and released it.
He said neighbors should be careful and keep a close eye on their pets, and if they spot the python while he's not there, they should call Florida Fish and Wildlife right away.
Booth said he was tagged on social media in a post about the Parrish python and after doing a little research, he said he knew he needed to come out and help find the snake.