An 8-foot Burmese python with a swollen belly was discovered under the floorboards of a family's shed in New Jersey, United States. The homeowner found the snake while gardening and immediately called for help.
Discovery and Rescue
Leslie Daley spotted the reptile slithering through her backyard in Freehold as she watered flowers. She contacted local officials, and exotic animal experts arrived to assist. With the help of a contractor, they removed the shed's floorboards and safely captured the snake.
The python had crawled through a hole and taken shelter beneath the shed. It was identified as a Burmese python, a species not native to the area.
X-Ray Reveals Last Meal
The snake was taken to a nearby vet, where an X-ray revealed its last meal: a large possum. The Monmouth County SPCA reported the finding.
Since then, the python has been placed in a secure enclosure with an experienced snake handler while officials work to find it a long-term home. It is believed the snake may have been someone's pet that escaped.
Warning to Pet Owners
In a social media post, the Monmouth County SPCA wrote: "Exotic pets do NOT belong in the wild! Releasing them harms local wildlife, domestic pets, and the exotic animal itself." They added: "If you can no longer care for a reptile, please reach out to a local rescue or shelter instead."
