- Published:
- Thursday, 12 November 2020 at 10:00 pm
The Albino (Amelanistic Morph) Burmese Python is 2.75 metres long and enquiries about where the python came from and how it got into Victoria are ongoing.
Burmese pythons are a large constricting snake native to South East Asia. In the wild they typically grow up to 5ms in length but in captivity they can be even longer.
Due to their size, they pose a risk to members of the public and domestic pets in the event the animal escapes or is released.
As demonstrated in the Florida Everglades, Burmese pythons can also be a devastating predator significantly impacting on native animal populations.
Possessing illegally imported animals, or their offspring, is a criminal offence, and is subject to penalties including up to 10 years’ jail time and fines up to $110,000.
The illegal keeping and trading of exotic animals poses one of the greatest risks of new pest animals establishing in Victoria and Australia.
In the event that these animals escape, or are deliberately released, they can be extremely difficult and costly to locate and capture.
Illegally imported animals have the potential to destroy our environment because of the threat they pose to our biodiversity.
To report illegal wildlife trafficking call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Quotes attributable to Conservation Regulator Wildlife Officer Jared Priestly
“We are always really concerned when we discover an exotic reptile in Victoria due to the enormous threat they pose to Victoria’s biodiversity and agriculture.”
“Illegally imported animals have the potential to significantly impact our natural environment because of the exotic diseases they may carry.”
“Anyone with information on illegal wildlife trafficking is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”
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