Over the past year, like a lot of people during the coronavirus pandemic, Meagan Harding found herself with more time on her hands than usual.
So, the 27-year-old, who lives in unincorporated Deltona, decided to stop waiting for the right time and do something she d always dreamed of: start a rescue and sanctuary for exotic animals.
Creating the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission-licensed nonprofit, which became official in September, took a mountain of paperwork, Harding said. But it s the greatest thing ever.
At her grandparent s property, where Harding also lives, near northeast Deltona, there are more than a dozen animals that make up 101 Paws and Claws.
Englewoodâs 9-foot Burmese python captured Monday wasnât actually the biggest one bagged in Florida this week.
According to various news reports, a Zolfo Springs family spotted and captured a 16-foot python on their property Sunday.
âYeah, itâs been an invasive-centered week,â said Adam Brown, a wildlife officer for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
âAt this time, we have no reason to suspect that the two incidents are related in any way,â Brown said Thursday.
According to various news reports, Aaron Brown â no relation to wildlife officer Brown â was driving with his mother on his familyâs property when he spotted a large snake.