11-foot python unexpected guest for California family

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LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. (AP) — A Southern California family got a slithery surprise when an 11-foot python turned up in their front yard.

Francisco Delgadillo, who lives near Lake Elsinore, says he was chatting with his sister on their porch Sunday night when he saw an enormous snake moving across the fenced yard.

The first animal control officer who saw the size of the critter had to call for backup. Two officers then wrangled the 50-pound snake into a truck and took it to a shelter.

Animal services spokesman John Welsh says the Burmese python’s presumed owner, a long-distance trucker, contacted the agency. Welsh says the owner entrusted his pet to his brother while he was away and the snake somehow escaped.

Welsh says if everything pans out, the snake, named Fran Swallow, will be returned home Wednesday.

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