A giant python measuring almost three metres in length has been seized from a Ballarat house.
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The 2.75-metre Albino Burmese Python was seized on Thursday after a search warranted conducted by Conservation Regulator Wildlife Officers, Agriculture Victoria and Victoria Police.
Burmese pythons are a large constricting snake native to South East Asia. In the wild they typically grow up to five metres in length but in captivity they can be even longer.
Due to their size, they pose a risk to members of the public and domestic pets in the event the animal escapes or is released.
It is not yet known how the snake made its way to Ballarat.
The exact location of the search warrant has not been released.
Conservation Regulator Wildlife Officer Jared Priestly said illegally imported animals such as Burmese pythons posed a massive threat to the natural environment.
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"We are always really concerned when we discover an exotic reptile in Victoria due to the enormous threat they pose to Victoria's biodiversity and agriculture," he said.
"Illegally imported animals have the potential to significantly impact our natural environment because of the exotic diseases they may carry."
The illegal keeping and trading of exotic animals poses one of the greatest risks of new pest animals establishing in Victoria and Australia, said the conversation regulator.
Anyone with information on illegal wildlife trafficking is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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