CONSERVATION Regulator wildlife officers from Agriculture Victoria, along with Victoria Police, seized an albino Burmese python from home in Ballarat last week.<\/p>\n
The exotic animal, which is native to South East Asia, was 2.75 meters long and taken following the execution of a search warrant.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are always really concerned when we discover an exotic reptile in Victoria due to the enormous threat they pose to Victoria\u2019s biodiversity and agriculture,\u201d said Conservation Regulator wildlife officer Jared Priestly.<\/p>\n
\u201cIllegally imported animals have the potential to significantly impact our natural environment because of the exotic diseases they may carry.\u201d<\/p>\n
A statement from the Conservation Regulator said, \u201cEnquiries about where the python came from and how it got into Victoria are ongoing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Possession of illegally imported animals, like Burmese pythons, is a criminal offence, and carries penalties including up to 10 years\u2019 jail and fines of up to $110,000.<\/p>\n