Multiple media outlets reported that a woman was looking through a stack of jeans, T-shirts and shorts when she found the snake. Flea market employees then called the fire department.

Miami-Dade Fire-Rescue Lt. Scott Mullen said the python was likely looking for a cozy place to digest its meal. Pythons are nocturnal, and usually eat during the night and then look for dark, warm spots to digest food by day. The reptiles are not venomous, but do have more than 100 sharp teeth and will bite, Mullen said.

Firefighters removed the python from the flea market and gave it to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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