8-Foot Burmese Python Found Under New Jersey Shed After Eating Possum
A quiet backyard in Freehold, New Jersey, turned into the scene of an unexpected wildlife rescue after homeowners discovered a massive Burmese python had taken up residence in their shed. The Daly family first noticed something was off when a neighbor spotted the snake slithering through the yard, and what followed was a rescue effort that took hours, a contractor, and a lot of nerve.
The python, measuring roughly eight feet long, had wedged itself into a hole beneath the shed floor. According to the Monmouth County SPCA, the snake was stuck underneath the floorboards after eating a possum, which likely caused it to become trapped. Animal Control Officer Scott Crawford was the one who pulled the snake from under the shed at the home along West Main Street. The rescue was no small feat, requiring the assistance of a contractor to access the snake’s hiding spot.
Burmese pythons are not native to New Jersey and are typically found in Southeast Asia. They are often kept as exotic pets, but when they grow too large, some owners release them into the wild. This particular snake was likely a former pet, as officials noted it probably would have struggled to survive the colder months if it had remained outdoors in New Jersey. The python is now in the care of a new caretaker, and if no legal owner comes forward, it will remain in permanent care with its new guardian.
This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by exotic pets and the importance of responsible ownership. The Monmouth County SPCA encourages anyone who can no longer care for such animals to seek proper channels for rehoming rather than releasing them into the environment. For now, the Freehold python is safe, and the Daly family can rest easy knowing their backyard is back to normal.
Shimanta Das 
