Wildlife officials seek Burmese python on Snell Island

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., July 8 (UPI) -- Authorities on Florida's Snell Island said they are on the lookout for a Burmese python believed to be behind a drop in the squirrel population.

Wildlife officials said they have spent numerous hours searching for the snake after it was first sighted around Memorial Day and was photographed in the bayou near the golf course on St. Petersburg's Snell Island, WFTS-TV, Tampa, reported Monday.

Officials said they believe the snake was a pet that either escaped or was set free by its owner. Residents said they have noticed a decrease in the island's squirrel population since the snake was first spotted.