Python found slithering inside Florida home

4-foot snake removed from pantry

ORLANDO, Fla. – An Orange County man was shocked to find a 4-foot python slithering in his pantry Tuesday morning, according to a report from WKMG.

Orange County Fire Rescue said it was called to a home in the 11000 block of Stamfield Drive, near Central Florida Parkway and International Drive in Orlando.

Homeowner Lenny Lichtman said the snake did not belong to him. He said he has no idea how the snake got into his pantry.

"My heart was in my stomach, I thought I was going to catch a stroke or a heart attack. It was pounding," Lichtman said.

When he saw the snake coiled up, he immediately called 911. 

Orange County Rescue was the first to show up, they recognized the snake as a python and asked Lichtman to hand them a pillowcase.

"They dumped it in the pillowcase and they walked out the door like Santa Claus with a bag of toys with a snake in it, put it on a truck and they left," Lichtman said.

Pythons are not venomous, but they have a sharp bite. The snakes are an invasive species in Florida, where they are blamed for decimating populations of native mammals.

Officials said the snake was likely a pet that escaped.

Lichtman wasn't injured, but he said the incident has left him rattled.

"I'm scared to even walk in my garage right now, I am,” Lichtman said.


About the Authors:

Daniel started with WKMG-TV in 2000 and became the digital content manager in 2009. When he's not working on ClickOrlando.com, Daniel likes to head to the beach or find a sporting event nearby.