8-foot snake blocks homeowner's door

PALM BAY, Fla., Oct. 7 (UPI) -- An 8-foot snake washed up by Tropical Storm Fay onto a doorstep blocked a Florida man from entering his home, officials said.

Animal control authorities in Palm Bay, Fla., Monday were called to assist a police officer who came to remove the reptile from the doorway of a home near an area that was hard hit by the August storm, WFTV, Orlando, Fla., reported.

"He weighs more than I do," the unnamed officer told the television station.

A rake was used to gain control of the snake, which hissed and tried to get away but was eventually herded into a cage, authorities said.