8-foot Burmese python captured in Freehold backyard
The massive snake was hiding under the floor of a shed.
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Backyard wildlife in New Jersey usually comes in the form of deer, rabbits and the occasional raccoon, but recently, wildlife experts learned that a Freehold backyard had acquired a more unusual visitor—an 8-foot Burmese python.
The Monmouth County SPCA said it was a “can you repeat that?” type of call when they learned that the massive snake had slithered its way into a resident’s backyard. While some snakes are native to the Garden State, Burmese pythons are not one of them.
Monmouth County SPCA officials said the snake eventually made its way under the floorboards of the homeowner’s shed. At that point, a local contractor assisted by carefully removing the floorboards to allow animal control officers to access the python.
“Our trained ACO got to work and gently unwound him so as not to cause injury (to the snake or us!). Thanks to patience and professional technique, the python was freed and taken to the MCSPCA for safekeeping,” the MCSPCA said on social media.
The 8-foot snake was examined by the MCSPCA, at which point an X-ray showed that the python had recently eaten a large possum. Since the python is considered an exotic pet and not native to the United States, it was then taken to another facility with snake experts who are licensed to care for and house reptiles. Officials said if no permitted owner comes forward, the python will “have a happy home for life” at the facility.
According to the MCSPCA, releasing exotic pets into the wild can not only harm wildlife and domestic pets, but can be harmful to the exotic animal itself. Officials said if you have an exotic animal as a pet and can no longer care for it, you should contact a local shelter or rescue organization.
