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
0:32
Police arrest man in connection to shooting murders in Clinton Hill

Police arrest man in connection to shooting murders in Clinton Hill

1:40
Nearly 300 probationary firefighters join the ranks of FDNY

Nearly 300 probationary firefighters join the ranks of FDNY

1:46
Sunny and warm weather with lower humidity for the weekend in Brooklyn

Sunny and warm weather with lower humidity for the weekend in Brooklyn

1:54
East Flatbush residents 'Occupy the Corner' for a safe summer

East Flatbush residents 'Occupy the Corner' for a safe summer

1:24
G train shutdown impacting Bed-Stuy commuters negatively

G train shutdown impacting Bed-Stuy commuters negatively

1:44
Gun detectors could arrive in NYC subway stations today as NYPD prepares pilot program

Gun detectors could arrive in NYC subway stations today as NYPD prepares pilot program

1:43
Welder Underground unveils ‘Rappin' Max Robot’ through apprenticeship program

Welder Underground unveils ‘Rappin' Max Robot’ through apprenticeship program

0:47
Attorney General James releases body camera footage of fatal officer-involved shooting in East Flatbush

Attorney General James releases body camera footage of fatal officer-involved shooting in East Flatbush

0:24
Police: Suspect wanted for punching 72-year-old man at 25th Street subway station

Police: Suspect wanted for punching 72-year-old man at 25th Street subway station

1:54
Boar’s Head deli meat recalled for potential listeria contamination

Boar’s Head deli meat recalled for potential listeria contamination

1:44
The Real Deal: How to save on expenses amid rising costs in New York

The Real Deal: How to save on expenses amid rising costs in New York

1:36
Students set to receive OMNY cards with more rides and less restrictions

Students set to receive OMNY cards with more rides and less restrictions

1:31
Tenants in Flatbush building say they are living with broken floors, mold, leaks and holes

Tenants in Flatbush building say they are living with broken floors, mold, leaks and holes

1:41
Neighbors describe MTA bus crashing into Burger King in Kensington

Neighbors describe MTA bus crashing into Burger King in Kensington

1:46
YMCA promotes swim safety services on World Drowning Prevention Day

YMCA promotes swim safety services on World Drowning Prevention Day

0:37
Brooklyn DA: Former teacher accused of enticing teenagers to send him explicit images

Brooklyn DA: Former teacher accused of enticing teenagers to send him explicit images

1:14
New lawsuits filed against Gov. Hochul's congestion pricing plan pause

New lawsuits filed against Gov. Hochul's congestion pricing plan pause

1:35
Rally outside Brooklyn Public Library calls for end to alleged 'power grab' from Mayor Adams

Rally outside Brooklyn Public Library calls for end to alleged 'power grab' from Mayor Adams

1:55
Residents say rats are taking over Sheepshead Bay street

Residents say rats are taking over Sheepshead Bay street

0:29
Southwest breaks 50-year tradition and will assign seats; profit falls at Southwest, American

Southwest breaks 50-year tradition and will assign seats; profit falls at Southwest, American