Officials capture 11-foot python in Fla. Keys

MARATHON, Fla. (AP) - Officials have captured an 11-foot python after it slithered across a busy highway in the Florida Keys.

Monroe County Sheriff's Deputy Bryan Cross spotted the reptile Friday as it crossed the Overseas Highway. He followed the snake into a heavily wooded lot and called the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The Sun Sentinel reports that officers captured the snake without incident.

Officials believe the snake is not an escaped pet but one in a growing population of exotics in the area.

The python was turned over to the U.S. Coast Guard.