World's 'largest' snake caught
29/12/2003 12:57  - (SA)  

(AP)

Jakarta, Indonesia - Indonesian villagers claim to have captured a python that is almost 15 metres long and weighs nearly 450kg, a local official said on Monday.

If confirmed, it would be the largest snake ever kept in captivity.

Hundreds of people have flocked to see the snake at a primitive zoo in Curugsewu village on the country's main island of Java, Republika daily reported. It splashed two large pictures of the reptile across its back page.

Local government official Rachmat said the reticulated python measured 14.85 metres and weighed in at 447kg.

The Guinness Book of World Records lists the longest ever captured snake to be 9.75 metres. The heaviest - a Burmese Python kept in Gurnee, Illinois - weighs 182.76kg, the book said on its website.

Rebublika said the snake, which was caught last year but only recently put on public display, eats three or four dogs a month.

Reticulated pythons are the world's longest snakes. They are capable of eating animals as large as sheep, and have been known to attack and consume humans.

The species is native to the swamps and jungles of Southeast Asia.

- AP

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