Burmese python ate two cats in Florida neighborhood

PORT SALERNO, Fla., Oct. 2 (UPI) -- Authorities in Florida said they captured a 10-foot Burmese python believed to have eaten at least two cats in a Port Salerno neighborhood.

Martin County sheriff's deputies said they were called to a Port Salerno home Tuesday morning after a report of a large snake lurking in the area and they discovered the python coiled in some underbrush, WPBF-TV, West Palm Beach, Fla., reported Wednesday.

"I think it went into defense mode," Deputy Crystal Duncombe said. "It actually regurgitated a full-sized cat and what looked like a kitten."

Authorities said they believe the snake is a former pet that was released into the wild by its owner.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said the python will likely end up at the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter.