Coventry Police Capture 9-Foot Burmese Python, Seek Owner

Folks in Coventry, Connecticut woke up to an unusual scene on Tuesday morning—a massive nine-foot albino Burmese python slithering near Creaser Park. Local police managed to safely capture the rare yellow-and-white snake, which quickly became the talk of the town among onlookers and wildlife officials.

Now, authorities are asking for help to track down the python’s owner. People can contact the police directly or send tips anonymously if they’d rather keep things low-key.

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This isn’t the first time Connecticut’s seen pythons on the loose. Similar snake sightings have popped up across the state lately, stirring up debates about exotic pet rules and public safety.

A Giant Visitor in Coventry

The python turned out to be an albino Burmese, looking almost unreal with its bright yellow and white pattern. These snakes come from Southeast Asia and can reach lengths of 16 feet, sometimes weighing over 200 pounds.

They’re not venomous and usually don’t go after people, but they’re powerful constrictors. When they hunt, they wrap around their prey and squeeze—definitely not something you want to run into on a morning walk.

Discovery at Creaser Park

Someone first spotted the python near the eastern edge of Creaser Park, a spot where locals usually hike or enjoy nature. Police responded fast, got the snake out without any drama, and moved it somewhere safe.

After the incident, officials reminded everyone to keep an eye out for unusual wildlife and to report anything strange right away. It’s a simple step, but it helps protect both people and the animals.

Connecticut’s Exotic Snake Laws

Connecticut bans ownership of some big snakes, like reticulated and African pythons. Oddly, Burmese pythons aren’t on that list yet.

This legal loophole raises some eyebrows, especially when rare and potentially risky reptiles show up in busy towns like Hartford, New Haven, or Norwich. Maybe it’s time lawmakers take a closer look at the rules to keep communities and local wildlife safer.

Past Incidents Across the State

This wasn’t a one-off. In Groton, police recently found a four-foot python, and someone abandoned a ball python in Canton.

Other towns—Middletown and Waterbury come to mind—have had their own run-ins with exotic reptiles. While it’s not exactly an epidemic, it’s enough to make you wonder about pet ownership and responsibility.

A Nationwide Perspective

The U.S. Geological Survey says that more than 300,000 Burmese pythons came into the country between 1980 and 2010. Although not native to North America, these snakes have taken over parts of Florida, especially the Everglades.

Estimates put the python population there at around 300,000, threatening local wildlife and changing the ecosystem in ways that are hard to ignore.

Florida’s Experience & Lessons Learned

In Florida, Burmese pythons have thrown the ecosystem off-balance by eating native mammals and birds. To fight back, officials have set up big eradication efforts, including bounties and organized hunts.

Connecticut’s nowhere near that level, but officials warn that letting exotic pets loose could start problems no one wants to deal with down the road.

What to Do if You Spot an Exotic Snake

Wildlife experts say that handling these situations takes teamwork from the public. If you see a python—or any unusual reptile—here’s what you should do:

Keep your distance. Don’t try to catch or move the animal yourself.
Call the police or animal control right away.
Give them the exact location so they can respond quickly.
If it’s safe, snap a photo for identification. But don’t put yourself at risk.
Let your neighbors know, especially if you live near parks or wooded spots.

Community Response & Safety Awareness

For folks living in Coventry—and nearby cities like Bristol and Bridgeport—the recent python capture is a wake-up call. Exotic animal sightings can really happen anywhere, can’t they?

Sometimes these animals escape by accident, but other times, people just let them go. It’s a bit unsettling. Responsible pet ownership matters, especially with creatures like this. Teaching people about proper care and Connecticut’s laws around exotic pets could help keep everyone safer—humans and animals alike.

Authorities want to know where the Coventry python came from. They’re asking anyone with info to speak up.

Here is the source article for this story: Police in CT town capture a 9-foot python and are now searching for its owner

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