NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. — A 13-foot (4-meter) Burmese python was confiscated from an upstate New York man who was keeping the still-growing snake in a small tank, authorities said.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation said it got a complaint about an illegally owned snake in New Hartford on Aug. 28.
Environment Conservation Police Officer Jeff Hull responded and found the snake in a 4-to-5-foot (1.2-to-1.5-meter) tank.
The snake weighed 80 pounds (36 kilos) and measured 13 feet 2 inches (4 meters) in length. It appeared to be in good health and was still growing, the Department of Environmental Conservation said in a news release.
The snake was relocated to the Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo in Rome, which has the state-required permits for such an animal, the agency said.
The snake’s owner said he had not been prepared for how fast the snake would grow, the department said. He was ticketed for possessing wildlife as a pet and for possessing dangerous wildlife without a permit.
Burmese pythons are native to southeast Asia and have become popular pets in the United States. They are an invasive species in Florida, where they prey on native wildlife.
Burmese pythons can grow to be 16 feet (5 meters) long. The animal seized in New York, an albino Burmese python, was yellow with an arrowhead-like design on its head.
A 13-foot python was recently confiscated from a residence in New York and relocated to a zoo, sparking interest and concern among the public. The massive snake, which was discovered in a home in the Bronx, was deemed too dangerous to be kept as a pet and was promptly removed by animal control authorities.
Pythons are large constrictor snakes that are native to tropical regions in Africa, Asia, and Australia. They are known for their impressive size and strength, as well as their ability to suffocate and swallow prey whole. In the wild, pythons feed on a variety of animals, including birds, mammals, and even other reptiles.
Keeping a python as a pet can be a challenging and potentially dangerous endeavor. These snakes require specialized care, including a large enclosure with proper heating and humidity levels, a varied diet of live or frozen-thawed prey, and regular veterinary check-ups. Inexperienced owners may struggle to meet these requirements, leading to health issues for the snake and potential safety concerns for the owner and their household.
In the case of the 13-foot python confiscated in New York, authorities determined that the snake posed a risk to the public due to its size and potential for aggression. Pythons can become defensive when threatened or stressed, and their powerful constricting abilities can cause serious harm to humans. As a result, the decision was made to relocate the snake to a zoo where it could be properly cared for by trained professionals.
Zoos play a crucial role in the conservation and protection of endangered species, including reptiles like pythons. By providing a safe and enriching environment for these animals, zoos help educate the public about the importance of wildlife conservation and inspire people to take action to protect vulnerable species.
The 13-foot python confiscated from the New York residence will now have the opportunity to live out its days in a secure and stimulating environment at the zoo. Visitors will have the chance to observe this impressive snake up close and learn more about its natural behaviors and habitat requirements.
Overall, the confiscation and relocation of the 13-foot python serve as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with owning exotic pets. While these animals may seem fascinating and exotic, they require specialized care and attention that not all owners are equipped to provide. By working together with animal control authorities and zoos, we can ensure the well-being of these magnificent creatures and promote their conservation for future generations.
