Mich. trooper fatally shoots 7-foot python

[August 20, 2008]  PORT SHELDON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) -- A Michigan State Police trooper fatally shot a nearly 7-foot long Burmese python that slithered onto a road and was spotted lunging at a passing pickup truck.

Motorist Brian Ahlin called 911 Monday after seeing the snake in the middle of the road, just a few feet from a park. Ahlin says the snake tried to attack his truck and continued to do so even after he repeatedly ran over the reptile.

Trooper William Coon arrived and used his .40-caliber handgun to kill the snake.

Authorities say the 6-foot, 10-inch python likely was a pet that either escaped from its owner or was deliberately released because of its size.

[Associated Press]

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