Man charged for unsafe housing of 18-foot python

APOPKA, Fla. (AP) -- A central Florida man has been charged with unsafe housing of a reptile of concern over his 18-foot python, Delilah.

Officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission charged 39-year-old Robert David Cheever with the second degree misdemeanor. A spokeswoman for the wildlife commission says Cheever can either pay a $316 fine or request a day in court.

Cheever was also issued a warning for not having a permit for the reptile and a microchip tag that is required by the state.

The 400-pound Delilah was removed from an Apopka area backyard enclosure last week.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)