An 8-Foot Burmese Python with a Belly Full of Opossum Found Slithering Through a New Jersey Backyard

In an unusual incident, animal control officers in New Jersey removed an eight-foot-long Burmese python from a backyard in Freehold Township. The discovery of the large snake occurred when local resident Leslie Daley noticed an unusual movement while watering her flowers. She was startled to see a massive yellow figure slithering across the front of her shed, with its tail extending some eight feet away from its body.

The python was found hiding beneath the wooden floorboards of the shed and was reported promptly to the local authorities. Officers from the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MCSPCA) were dispatched to the location to safely retrieve the snake. As part of the rescue process, they enlisted the help of a contractor to carefully remove the floorboards, allowing the trained Animal Control Officers to handle the snake without causing any harm.

Scott Crawford, an Animal Control Officer, commented on the incident, suggesting that the snake had likely been abandoned by its owner. “There is a population that owns these creatures in the area, and it’s plausible that they released the python when it became too large to handle,” speculated Crawford. His assessment highlights the issue of pet ownership responsibility, particularly with exotic animals.

Upon arrival at the MCSPCA facility, the snake received a thorough examination from veterinarians. X-rays revealed that it had recently consumed a large opossum, and the medical team determined that the python was in good health overall. Dr. Samantha Mammen, the medical director, noted, “The snake was in generally good body condition, not dehydrated, and its temperature was normal.”

Burmese pythons are native to parts of Asia, including India, China, and the Malay Peninsula, and are known for their striking appearance, characterised by tan skin with dark blotches resembling puzzle pieces. While these snakes can thrive in various environments, they are considered an invasive species in several areas of the United States, especially Florida, due to their predatory nature.

Dr. Mammen explained that while the snake would have managed well during the warm summer months, the cooler temperatures of fall and winter would have posed serious risks to its survival if it remained in the wild. This further underscores the challenges faced by abandoned exotic pets in colder climates.

Following the medical assessment, the MCSPCA collaborated with a local pet shop, Fins & Feathers, to secure a proper environment for the snake. They arranged for it to be transported to a facility where it would be cared for by a reptile expert with the necessary permits. The organisation expressed hope that if no one claims the reptile, it would find a “happy home for life.”

In New Jersey, it is legal to own certain exotic pets, including pythons, provided that residents possess a permit issued by the state’s Division of Fish and Wildlife. However, the SPCA reiterated the importance of responsible pet ownership, as they cautioned against releasing exotic animals into the wild. They emphasised that such actions can jeopardise local wildlife as well as the health and well-being of the animal itself.

The incident serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with owning exotic pets. The SPCA encouraged anyone unable to care for a reptile to reach out to a local rescue organisation or shelter, ensuring that these animals can receive the proper care and attention they deserve. Through responsible actions, the local community can help protect both its wildlife and the welfare of exotic animals.