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13-Foot Python Seized from New York Home after Owner Realizes it Grew Too Fast

Environment Conservation Police Officer, Jeff Hull, with the illegally-owned 13-foot Burmese python seized from a New York home.
Environment Conservation Police Officer, Jeff Hull, with the illegally-owned 13-foot Burmese python seized from a New York home. Source: Facebook. Uploaded: NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

Imagine adopting a small pet and watching it grow faster than you ever expected—into something you can’t handle. This is what happened in New York when a 13-foot Burmese python, kept illegally, outgrew its living space and left its owner overwhelmed. The authorities quickly stepped in, reminding everyone why these snakes aren’t suitable pets without proper permits and care.

Burmese Pythons: Illegal in New York Without a Permit

Burmese python in a house.
Burmese python in a house. Source: YouTube. Uploaded: drthik1

Burmese pythons are classified as dangerous wildlife in New York, and it is illegal to own one without the appropriate permits. The law protects both the animals and the public from potential risks associated with keeping large and potentially dangerous creatures. In this case, the snake’s owner did not have the required permits, leading to legal consequences and the removal of the python to a more appropriate facility.

The Call That Sparked the Investigation

Albino burmese python
Albino burmese python. Image by wwarby via Pixabay

The incident began when a concerned neighbor reported seeing what they believed to be an illegally kept snake in New Hartford. The call on August 28th led officers from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to investigate. Upon receiving photographic evidence of the snake, they quickly identified it as a Burmese Python, prompting further action.

How Officials Identified the Snake

Distinctive arrowhead feature in Burmese python.
Distinctive arrowhead feature in Burmese python. Image by Bjoertvedt, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The officials immediately noticed its distinctive “arrowhead-like” pattern, a signature feature of Burmese pythons. Their unique markings and massive size make these snakes easy to identify for those familiar with the species. The officers quickly confirmed that the snake was indeed a Burmese python, which led to the necessary legal steps to confiscate the animal from its owner.

Native to Southeast Asia, a Monster in the U.S.

Burmese python.
Burmese python in an enclosure. Source: YouTube. Uploaded: JayPrehistoricPets

Burmese pythons are native to the warm, tropical regions of Southeast Asia, where they thrive in dense forests and wetlands. However, due to their popularity in the non-native pet trade, these massive reptiles have found their way into homes across the United States. Unfortunately, many pet owners underestimate the challenges of caring for such large creatures, leading to situations like this one.

Invasive Species: A Problem in the U.S.

Albino Burmese Python
Albino Burmese Python. Image by shankar s. from sharjah, united arab emirates, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Burmese pythons are considered invasive species in several parts of the U.S., particularly in Florida’s Everglades. These snakes, once released into the wild, have few natural predators and quickly grow to enormous sizes. Their presence has led to significant ecological disruptions, as they prey on native animals, some of which are endangered. This makes it even more important for states like New York to enforce laws prohibiting their ownership without proper permits and containment.

Seizing the 13-Foot Python

Environment Conservation Police Officer, Jeff Hull, with the illegally-owned 13-foot Burmese python seized from a New York home.
Environment Conservation Police Officer, Jeff Hull, with the illegally-owned 13-foot Burmese python seized from a New York home. Source: Facebook. Uploaded: NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

When officers arrived at the New Hartford home, they found the 13-foot, 80-pound Burmese python confined to a small tank measuring just 4 to 5 feet long. This highlighted the owner’s lack of preparedness for the python’s rapid growth. Despite its cramped living conditions, the snake appeared to be in good health, a testament to its resilience. The python was quickly removed from the home and transported to a more suitable facility where it could be properly cared for.

The Owner’s Struggle to Keep Up

Albino Burmese python in an enclosure.
Albino Burmese python in an enclosure. Image by: Snake dude, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The owner admitted that the python’s rapid growth overwhelmed him. Like many non-native pet owners, he didn’t anticipate the challenges of caring for a creature that can grow up to 23 feet long and weigh over 200 pounds. Burmese pythons, while small and manageable as hatchlings, can grow rapidly, requiring increasingly large enclosures, specialized diets, and expert care.

The Snake’s New Home: Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo

Albino Burmese python in a zoo.
Albino Burmese python in a zoo. Image by Mahbob Yusof, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

After being seized by the DEC, the Burmese python was transported to Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo in Rome, New York. This facility specializes in caring for non-native animals, making it a much more suitable environment for the massive snake. At the zoo, the python will have the space it needs to grow and thrive under the care of professionals who understand the specific requirements of such a large reptile.

Close-up of an Albino Burmese Python.
Close-up of an Albino Burmese Python. Image by Miroslav.vajdic, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The owner of the python now faces legal repercussions for violating New York’s wildlife laws. The DEC issued him tickets for possession of wildlife as a pet and for keeping dangerous wildlife without a permit. These laws ensure that only those with proper permits keep potentially dangerous creatures, protecting both the public and the animals.

Why Non-Native Pets Can Be Dangerous

Burmese Python.
Burmese Python. Image by DenisDoukhan via Pixabay.

Non-native pets like Burmese pythons can pose significant dangers to both their owners and the public. Without proper knowledge and facilities, these animals become unmanageable, and they may even pose a threat if they escape or are released into the wild. In the wrong hands, they can become a serious hazard. This is why laws exist to regulate the ownership of non-native animals.

How to Report Illegal Non-Native Pets

Albino Burmese pythons
Albino Burmese pythons. Image by Mike Murphy, CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/, via Wikimedia Commons

If you suspect someone is keeping an illegal or dangerous pet, it’s crucial to report the situation to your local authorities. New York residents can contact the DEC to report concerns about illegally kept wildlife. Doing so helps prevent potentially dangerous situations and ensures animals like this receive proper care in suitable environments.

A Lesson in Pet Ownership

Albino Asian Python in Ragunan Zoo Terrarium, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Albino Asian Python in Ragunan Zoo Terrarium, Jakarta, Indonesia. Image by Gunawan Kartapranata, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The seizure of this 13-foot Burmese python serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with owning non-native pets. While they may seem fascinating and unique, these animals often require more care and attention than many owners are prepared for. It’s essential to understand the needs of any animal before bringing it into your home and ensure you are complying with all local laws and regulations.