A Bradenton woman got quite the shock when she took out her trash and was greeted by an 8-foot-long boa.
"Apparently a women had walked out of her house with her recycling bin and found a snake poking its head out of the bushes," said Damen Hurd, who works with Wildlife, Inc.
Hurd was called out to catch the Colombian red tail boa. He thinks it escaped from its owner about two weeks ago, eventually making its way to the woman's house a few blocks away from Cortez Road in Bradenton.
"We have him in our care right now and Florida Fish and Wildlife is investigating it," Hurd said.
Spokesperson Baryl Martin said the FWC has been in contact with the owner of the snake, and they're investigating whether or not the exotic reptile was improperly caged.
"The main concern for us is the safety for the animals and the general public for any type of exotic species," Martin said.
Martin says the Colombian red tail boa is common in the exotic pet trade. The snake has no natural predators in Florida and can reproduce, which Martin said poses a danger for animals that live here locally.
The owner of the snake could face misdemeanor charges.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says if you can't take care of an exotic animal, their best recommendation is to contact a local sanctuary for the animal. If you come in contact with an exotic animal, FWC recommends contacting them or local law enforcement.