A large Burmese python was found by a family in Freehold, New Jersey, after it sought shelter under their shed. The roughly 8-foot-long exotic snake, identified by its large size and swollen belly, was discovered by Leslie Daley while she was watering flowers in her backyard.
Her husband, Ed Daley, reported that the python had entered a hole and was concealed beneath the shed's floorboards. The Monmouth County SPCA was contacted, and with the assistance of a local contractor, they removed the floorboards to access the reptile. Video footage captured the snake being carefully removed from its hiding place.
An X-ray performed by veterinary staff at the Monmouth County SPCA revealed the snake's last meal was a large opossum. Burmese pythons are not native to New Jersey or the northeastern United States, as they originate from Southeast Asia. However, owning these exotic snakes is permissible in New Jersey with the proper permits.
The python has since been placed in a secure enclosure under the care of an experienced handler while authorities work to find it a permanent home. The Monmouth County SPCA issued a statement emphasizing that exotic pets do not belong in the wild, as their release can harm local wildlife, domestic animals, and the exotic species itself. They urged individuals who can no longer care for a reptile to contact a local rescue or shelter instead.