An eight-foot Burmese python was rescued from the rafters of a Marco Island Executive Airport hangar Thursday, April 3, 2008, a couple of days after first being spotted on April Fools’ Day.
Joe Wasilewski handles the perturbed python on Thursday. "She ain't happy," said Wasilewski as he descended the arm of the fire truck platform. Though the snake was spotted just a few days ago, it is anyone's guess how long she was in the airport hangar – Bernice's shed skin could be seen dangling from the opposite end of the rafters.
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Joe Wasilewski, Mario Aldecoa and Bob Freer, from left to right wrestle with the snake in the rafters of a Marco Island Executive Airport hangar on Thursday. The snake was dormant when the three men reached it, but it stirred in time to put up just a little bit of fight.
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The snake, named Lt. Bernice by the Marco Civil Air Patrol squadron, is an 8-foot female Burmese python. Bernice will be displayed at Everglades Outpost for educational purposes for the rest of her life. Aldecoa said she would make a good display snake because she is aggressive and doesn't mind striking at an outstretched finger.
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The crowd feels and photographs the python after the incident on Thursday. Everglades Outpost Founder Bob Freer said she appeared pretty healthy.
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An eight-foot Burmese python was rescued from the rafters of a Marco Island Executive Airport hangar Thursday, April 3, 2008, a couple of days after first being spotted on April Fools’ Day.
View photo »
An eight-foot Burmese python was rescued from the rafters of a Marco Island Executive Airport hangar Thursday, April 3, 2008, a couple of days after first being spotted on April Fools’ Day.
View photo »
An eight-foot Burmese python was rescued from the rafters of a Marco Island Executive Airport hangar Thursday, April 3, 2008, a couple of days after first being spotted on April Fools’ Day.
View photo »
An eight-foot Burmese python was rescued from the rafters of a Marco Island Executive Airport hangar Thursday, April 3, 2008, a couple of days after first being spotted on April Fools’ Day.
View photo »
An eight-foot Burmese python was rescued from the rafters of a Marco Island Executive Airport hangar Thursday, April 3, 2008, a couple of days after first being spotted on April Fools’ Day.
View photo »
An 8-foot Burmese python was rescued from the rafters of a Marco Island Executive Airport hangar Thursday, April 3, 2008.
View photo »
An 8-foot Burmese python was rescued from the rafters of a Marco Island Executive Airport hangar Thursday, April 3, 2008.
View photo »
An 8-foot Burmese python was rescued from the rafters of a Marco Island Executive Airport hangar Thursday, April 3, 2008.
View photo »
An 8-foot Burmese python was rescued from the rafters of a Marco Island Executive Airport hangar Thursday, April 3, 2008.
View photo »
An 8-foot Burmese python was rescued from the rafters of a Marco Island Executive Airport hangar Thursday, April 3, 2008.
View photo »
An 8-foot Burmese python was rescued from the rafters of a Marco Island Executive Airport hangar Thursday, April 3, 2008.
View photo »
An 8-foot Burmese python was rescued from the rafters of a Marco Island Executive Airport hangar Thursday, April 3, 2008.
View photo »
An 8-foot Burmese python was rescued from the rafters of a Marco Island Executive Airport hangar Thursday, April 3, 2008.
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