What's an 18-foot python doing in Ontario?

A local resident in northern Ontario was startled when he ran into a large python.  Bumping into wildlife is common in that area but not as big as the 18-foot python.

The local police was immediately reported of the incident. After locating the live snake the police took assistance from officials of the Toronto Zoo.

The python was determined to be a Burmese python, which is indigenous to tropic and subtropic areas of Southern Asia. It is one of the six largest species of snakes in the world.

The police manualy dispatched the snake in order to prevent any unnecessary suffering to the animal and to protect the public,” police said in a statement issued Monday.

“A snake such as a Burmese python can be very dangerous when removed from its natural habitat.”

Investigators believe someone released the snake in the area and are appealing to the public for information.

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