In New Hartford, New York, a 13-foot Burmese python was recently taken from a man who was housing the snake in a small tank, according to authorities. The incident occurred after the state Department of Environmental Conservation received a report about the illegal possession of a snake on August 28th. Environment Conservation Police Officer Jeff Hull was called to the scene and discovered the python inside a tank that measured 4-to-5 feet.
Weighing 80 pounds and stretching 13 feet 2 inches long, the snake was reported to be healthy and still growing by the Department of Environmental Conservation. Subsequently, the python was relocated to the Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo in Rome, which possesses the necessary permits for hosting such animals.
The snake’s owner expressed that he was unprepared for the rapid growth of the animal, leading to him being cited for having wildlife as a pet and for housing dangerous wildlife without the proper authorization. Burmese pythons, originating from southeast Asia, have gained popularity as pets in the U.S. However, in places like Florida, they are considered invasive species that pose a threat to local wildlife.
Known for reaching lengths of up to 16 feet, the seized albino Burmese python in New York was distinctively yellow with a unique arrowhead pattern on its head.
