Seven-Foot Burmese Python Escapes in West Palm Beach

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

The seven-foot snake that was slithering around West Palm Beach.

​The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission isn't too happy with David T. Beckett after they say his seven-foot Burmese python escaped its enclosure and began wandering around residential areas.

FWC says Beckett, 51, was charged with two misdemeanors -- illegal possession of a Burmese python without a permit and improper caging, allowing escape.

Beckett had left the lid to the aquarium open, according to FWC, and the snake slithered its way on outside.

It was then up to West Palm Beach police to track down the snake, which they found "a short time later" in a parking lot near multifamily homes.

The snake is now being kept at a "permitted facility," according to FWC.

Here's what FWC has to say about the snake and snake rules:

The Burmese python, once listed as a reptile of concern, is now one of eight nonnative reptiles listed as conditional species. Conditional reptiles may not be acquired as pets. People who owned a conditional species before July 1, 2010, may keep their animal for the remainder of its life. These pet owners must maintain a valid reptile-of-concern license for the animals.

---

Follow The Pulp on Facebook and on Twitter: @ThePulpBPB.

---