Huge python trapped in Florida woods

TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. - Loren Mell was walking his dog outside his Tarpon Springs apartment Thursday when he stumbled on to something scary. "Fairly large, I'd say he's fifteen feet," Mell said.

A nearly 200 pound python was slithering in a wooded area that borders an apartment parking lot and the backyards of several homes.

Police trapped the snake in a large metal garbage until Fish and Wildlife officers could properly take the snake away.

Officials from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says the snake was "well-fed" and was a pet at one point.

African rock pythons are a labeled a "reptile of concern" in Florida. Owners must have a permit and the snakes must be registered and kept in a locked container.

Officials say they will check to see if the snake is registered. If not, it will be turned over to someone licensed to keep pythons.

Information from the Associated Press contributed to this report