'Monster' Captured In Riverside's Lake Evans

RIVERSIDE -- The Loch Ness Monster has nothing on Riverside County's own 'Monster of Lake Evans.'

For one thing, Riverside County Animal Control Officer Kristina Hillegart can personally testify that, unlike Scotland's 'monster,' Southern California's monster is definitely real. The photos and the actual capture of the 'Monster of Lake Evans' is all the proof that is needed. Hillegart took the call on Friday of a huge snake slithering out of Lake Evans, north of Riverside in Fairmont Park.

What she found was a 15-foot-long, 60 pound Burmese python near the bank of the lake. Animal control officers believe the snake was dumped at the park when it got too big for the owner to take care of. Hillegart was able to wrangle the serpent and get it into her vehicle without too much trouble. Burmese pythons, while very large, are also considered docile and easy to handle.

The 'Monster of Lake Evans' is now in the able care of an animal control employee with a love for things that slither. If no one claims the snake, it will be given to a rescue group that specializes in caring for exotic pets. This is the second time in a year that a big snake has been found in Riverside County.

In August, two animal control officers managed to capture an 11-foot-long, 50 pound Burmese python. That snake was returned to its owner.

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