Illegal python seized from New Hartford home, owner fined

Last week, officers from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation carried out an unusual intervention in New Hartford. The case involved the illegal possession of a Burmese python, one of the largest snakes in the world.

The report concerning the snake's presence in a private home in the town of New Hartford, about 80 kilometres east of Syracuse, reached the New York Department of Environmental Conservation on 28 August. According to a witness statement, someone was allegedly keeping an exotic animal illegally.

The officer handling the case immediately recognized the distinctive pattern on the snake's head from the photo—it resembled an arrowhead typical of Burmese pythons. Possessing this species without proper permits is illegal in New York State.

The Burmese python is a snake native to Southeast Asia, which, in natural conditions, can reach up to 7 metres in length and weigh up to 90 kilograms. In the USA, they mainly appeared due to the exotic pet trade.

However, due to their size and predatory nature, Burmese pythons quickly began to threaten local fauna, leading to their recognition as an invasive species, particularly in Florida, where they have become a significant problem for local ecosystems.

In the New Hartford case, the python was found on the same day the report was filed. The animal, measuring 4 metres in length and weighing about 36 kilograms, was kept in a small terrarium measuring only 1.5 metres, indicating inadequate living conditions. Fortunately, despite the cramped conditions, the snake was unharmed, safe and healthy.

The snake's owner admitted he was unprepared for its rapid growth and could no longer provide it with proper conditions. The python was confiscated and transported to Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo in nearby Rome.

The man received two fines for illegally possessing the exotic species —one for keeping a wild animal at home and another for possessing a dangerous animal without appropriate permits.