Topic overview
In brief
- An 8-foot Burmese python was discovered in a Freehold, New Jersey backyard, alarming local residents.
- The snake was found to have eaten a possum, which explained its large size.
- Experts believe the python was likely a pet that was released, highlighting the dangers of exotic pet abandonment.
Summary
In Freehold, New Jersey, a significant incident occurred when an 8-foot Burmese python was discovered in a residential backyard. The snake, weighing 40 pounds, was spotted by Leslie Daley while she was watering her flowers. She noticed the snake moving slowly across her yard, with its tail trailing behind it. Concerned for her safety, she alerted local authorities. The python's presence was alarming to the residents, as it is not a native species to the area. The snake was later found to have a full belly, indicating it had recently eaten a large possum.
The situation escalated when the python crawled under a shed, making it difficult for rescuers to capture it. A local contractor had to remove the shed's flooring to access the snake. Eventually, Scott Crawford from the Monmouth County SPCA was able to safely retrieve the python. He described the moment he was able to grab the snake's head and place it into a transport carrier, ensuring its safety. X-rays confirmed that the python had consumed a possum, which explained its swollen belly.