Massive Burmese python removed from driveway on Long Island

What she thought might have been an unraveled hose was a snake measuring more than 8-feet-long.

News 12 Staff

Jun 20, 2021, 9:53 PM

Updated 1,132 days ago

Share:

Early Sunday morning, Frances Hughes saw something strange as she looked out her Deer Park kitchen window onto the driveway.
What she thought might have been an unraveled hose was a snake measuring more than 8-feet-long.
She called 911 and Suffolk police quickly wrangled the large snake into a garbage can. Police identified it as a boa constrictor, but snake experts tell News 12 it’s something more dangerous.
“That's a Burmese python,” said Jennifer Coppola, of BTJ's Jungle Pet Store.
Two other independent reptile experts confirmed to News 12 from pictures that it is a Burmese python – a non-native species to Long Island that is illegal in New York State.
Its length allows it to pray on small animals, experts say. Unsettling news for some neighbors who wondered who owned it, how did it get loose and if there are any more.
“I have a little 10-pound dog and I am going to keep him in the house for now,” said Paula Palumbo.
Hughes told News 12 that she knows most people on the block and after the snake was captured she went around knocking on doors to see if any one owned it.
“I don't think anyone is going to claim it if you are not allowed to have it,” she said.
Suffolk police transferred the snake to the Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island in West Islip where it is now being taken care of.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has also been alerted to the discovery of the snake for possible investigation.


More from News 12
1:49
Bridgeport church reported finding hundreds of hypodermic needles on parish property this week

Bridgeport church reported finding hundreds of hypodermic needles on parish property this week

1:34
Sunny this weekend, chance of storms next week

Sunny this weekend, chance of storms next week

2:13
‘You know who I am?’ Police video shows Bridgeport councilman’s ‘combative’ traffic stop

‘You know who I am?’ Police video shows Bridgeport councilman’s ‘combative’ traffic stop

0:26
Boat Camp introduces kids to the beauty of Long Island Sound

Boat Camp introduces kids to the beauty of Long Island Sound

0:16
Police: Norwalk man arrested for committing lewd acts against a family member in San Diego

Police: Norwalk man arrested for committing lewd acts against a family member in San Diego

2:33
Can swimming become dangerous due to extremely high water surface temperatures?

Can swimming become dangerous due to extremely high water surface temperatures?

0:42
 Real Deal: Natural gas, rent and medical care continue to increase in Connecticut

Real Deal: Natural gas, rent and medical care continue to increase in Connecticut

0:20
Little boy helps rescue dog in Stratford

Little boy helps rescue dog in Stratford

0:51
Norwalk celebrates 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

Norwalk celebrates 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

1:57
'It's powerful.' NHL stars participate in Stamford fundraiser to raise awareness of suicide prevention

'It's powerful.' NHL stars participate in Stamford fundraiser to raise awareness of suicide prevention

2:08
63rd annual summer book sale begins at Pequot Library in Southport

63rd annual summer book sale begins at Pequot Library in Southport

0:31
Shelton homeowner faces charges after illegal fireworks cause fire to escalate

Shelton homeowner faces charges after illegal fireworks cause fire to escalate

1:57
Bridgeport Police Department swears in dozens of new recruits

Bridgeport Police Department swears in dozens of new recruits

2:00
Harris campaign highlights challenges female candidates face in CT

Harris campaign highlights challenges female candidates face in CT

0:14
Officials: West Nile virus confirmed in mosquitoes collected from Danbury testing site

Officials: West Nile virus confirmed in mosquitoes collected from Danbury testing site

0:56
Free life jacket station unveiled at Lake Simmons in Greenwich

Free life jacket station unveiled at Lake Simmons in Greenwich

0:43
Connecticut resident awarded Caregiver of the Year award at BrightStar Care in Norwalk

Connecticut resident awarded Caregiver of the Year award at BrightStar Care in Norwalk

0:32
Connecticut State Police rescue ducks from Interstate-91 in Hartford

Connecticut State Police rescue ducks from Interstate-91 in Hartford

2:46
Main Street Connecticut: Showcasing the best of Weston

Main Street Connecticut: Showcasing the best of Weston

0:56
Norwalk unveils new playground at Flax Hill Park

Norwalk unveils new playground at Flax Hill Park