Pythons caught roaming subdivision in eastern NC. Cops investigate how they got there
.png "The species of pythons found in Elizabeth City were not revealed, but Burmese pythons like this one are the species that is most commonly found in South Florida, experts say.")
Invasive pythons have not gained a foothold in North Carolina due to frigid winters, but some have been found roaming a subdivision near the coast, officials say.
The discovery was made in Pasquotank County, along the northern banks of Albemarle Sound, according to a June 27 news release.
Pasquotank County officials say the pythons were “seized” in the Stockbridge community of single-family homes, just west of Elizabeth City. The subdivision is about a 165-mile drive northeast from Raleigh.
Investigators have not said how many snakes were found and have not revealed the species.
“The snakes that have been located are nonvenomous and believed to be someone’s pets,” the Pasquotank Sheriff’s Office said in the release.
“The Animal Control Division and the investigative division... are currently conducting an investigation into where the snakes came from and whether the release was accidental or intentional.”
Invasive Burmese pythons are plaguing parts of the country, like South Florida, and experts believe they were exotic pets that escaped or were intentionally released by pet owners, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports.
Pythons are creating havoc on Florida’s ecosystem and are believed to be slowly working their way north, experts say.
This story was originally published June 28, 2024 at 7:13 AM with the headline "Pythons caught roaming subdivision in eastern NC. Cops investigate how they got there."