Now Reading: 8-foot Burmese python found under New Jersey shed, X-ray shows opossum
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8-foot Burmese python found under New Jersey shed, X-ray shows opossum
8-foot Burmese python found under New Jersey shed, X-ray shows opossum
A New Jersey family found a large Burmese python hiding beneath their backyard shed in Freehold Township. Leslie Daley spotted the snake while watering flowers before it disappeared under the structure.
The Story in Brief
A New Jersey family found a large Burmese python hiding beneath their backyard shed in Freehold Township. Leslie Daley spotted the snake while watering flowers before it disappeared under the structure.
Monmouth County SPCA animal-control officers had to remove part of the shed floor with help from a local contractor to reach the 8-foot, 40-pound python. An X-ray later revealed the reason for the snake's swollen belly: it had recently swallowed a large opossum. Officials suspect the exotic pet was abandoned by its owner. The python, described as a juvenile in good condition, was transferred to a certified reptile expert.
The Indian Opinion
Burmese pythons are already a menace in Florida, but this Freehold Township story shows the 'exotic pet panic' narrative can overshoot. The snake was likely an abandoned pet, not a sign of an invading horde, and New Jersey law does allow them with permits. The real test is whether authorities will trace the owner or just move on. That will tell us if this is a one-off or a pattern.
Sources (2): timesofindia.indiatimes.com, economictimes.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
