A New Jersey family received a frightening surprise when they discovered an enormous Burmese python hiding beneath their backyard shed. Leslie Daley spotted the snake while watering flowers at her Freehold home and quickly realized it was far too large to handle safely. The family contacted the Monmouth County SPCA, and animal control officers arrived with a local contractor to help remove several boards from the shed. The snake measured about eight feet long and had a huge bulge in the middle of its body, suggesting it had recently eaten a substantial meal. Rescue workers carefully unwound the python from its hiding place, taking precautions to avoid injuring either the animal or themselves. Once freed, the snake was transported to the Monmouth County SPCA for examination and safekeeping.

An X-ray soon revealed exactly what had caused the python’s swollen appearance: it had swallowed a large possum. After being examined and cleaned, the snake was placed inside a secure tank while officials contacted reptile specialists to arrange a suitable home. The python was eventually connected with experts at Fins & Feathers in Red Bank, who helped find safe placement. Burmese pythons are native to Southeast Asia and are not naturally found in New Jersey, although they can legally be kept there with the appropriate permits. Officials emphasized that exotic reptiles should never be released into the wild because they can threaten native wildlife, domestic animals, and the reptiles themselves. The SPCA said the python would remain with a properly permitted snake expert while authorities searched for its owner. If no owner came forward, the massive reptile would be given a permanent home where it could be safely cared for.