A 12-foot python tried to cross the road, but it didn’t make it far — thanks to this cop

A Pembroke Pines street felt more like the heart of the Everglades when police got a call to remove an unwanted visitor.

On Thursday, Pembroke Pines Officer Joseph Cabrera responded to a call of a 12.5-foot Burmese python that was seen heading toward the Chapel Trail area near US-27 and Johnson Street.

Pembroke Pines Social Media Manager Amanda Conwell said the python was first spotted by an off-duty Customs & Border Patrol officer heading east across the road toward Chapel Trail. Cabrera was the first to arrive and he “wrangled” the snake. He was later assisted by backup units.

Cabrera was able to secure the snake and took it to police headquarters where a licensed python remover collected the giant reptile.

The department tweeted out a video of the capture on Friday.

Conwell said that while snakes are not an uncommon sight to Floridians, Burmese pythons are an invasive species and a threat to people, pets and local wildlife. If anyone sees another snake like this python sauntering around their neighborhoods they should call 911.

“Due to their size and strength these snakes put local wildlife, pets, even children at risk,” she said.

This is not Cabrera’s first encounter with a large python in Pembroke Pines. In April, he responded to a call after a group of local teens caught a 13-foot python. He helped secure the snake, which was then transported to Everglades Holiday Park.

This story was originally published January 12, 2018 at 10:52 AM with the headline "A 12-foot python tried to cross the road, but it didn’t make it far — thanks to this cop."