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Giant water moccasin nabbed in Florida

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. -- A 5-and-a-half foot water moccasin was caught Wednesday afternoon in Florida.

Ryan says this snake is 6 inches short of the world record! (photo: Quick Catch/Facebook)

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. -- A 5-and-a-half foot water moccasin was caught Wednesday afternoon in Florida.

Jacksonville-based Quick Catch is "a team of highly specialized animal removal technicians" and they nabbed the large snake.

In a post on their Facebook page, owner Ryan can be seen holding the large reptile. He says the snakes are trying to find higher ground away from flood waters. The snake was caught near Valley Ridge Academy.

Water moccasins are heavy, venomous snakes that look like they have a thick body for their length. Their heads are blocky, according to UF's wildlife website.

It is very important to note that you should never approach an unknown snake unless you're a well-trained handler. Ryan, of Quick Catch, is a trained professional, so it's cool for him.

But even if you aren't sure the snake is venomous - and quite a few Florida snakes aren't - it's always best to keep your distance.

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