8-foot Burmese python found hiding under New Jersey family’s shed after swallowing a large opossum: Snake’s swollen belly revealed shocking backyard discovery

A New Jersey family got a terrifying surprise when an 8-foot Burmese python turned up beneath their backyard shed — and an X-ray later revealed an even more startling detail.

The unusual discovery happened in Freehold Township, New Jersey, when Leslie Daley was watering flowers and noticed a large snake moving near the shed.

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Python disappears under family’s shed

Daley watched as the huge reptile slipped beneath the wooden structure, leaving the family unable to safely remove it.

The Daleys contacted the Monmouth County SPCA, and animal-control officers arrived to deal with the unexpected visitor.

Because the python was hiding underneath the shed, rescuers needed help from a local contractor. Part of the shed floor was removed so officers could reach the snake.

They carefully pulled the python from beneath the structure and took it to the SPCA for examination.

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X-ray reveals the python’s unusual meal

The snake’s size wasn’t the only thing that caught attention.

Veterinary staff noticed a significant bulge in its abdomen and performed an X-ray. The imaging showed that the Burmese python had recently swallowed a large opossum.

Burmese pythons are constrictors that swallow their prey whole, allowing them to consume animals that look surprisingly large compared with their own bodies.

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According to News 12 New Jersey, the snake measured around 8 feet long and weighed approximately 40 pounds.

Dr. Samantha Mammen, medical director of the Monmouth County SPCA, said the juvenile python appeared to be in good condition and was not dehydrated.

Officials suspect the python was abandoned

How the exotic snake ended up beneath a New Jersey shed remains unclear.

Animal Control Officer Scott Crawford told News 12 that officials suspected someone may have dumped the python after it became too difficult to keep.

Burmese pythons are not native to New Jersey, although they can be kept under the state's applicable exotic-animal permitting requirements.

Officials also warned that releasing exotic pets outdoors can endanger native wildlife, pets and the animals themselves.

What happened to the Burmese python?

The rescued snake was placed in a secure enclosure while officials looked for a suitable long-term home. It was later transferred to a certified reptile expert for continued care.

The Monmouth County SPCA urged exotic-pet owners who can no longer care for their animals to contact a licensed rescue organization or shelter rather than abandoning them.

For the Freehold family, what began as an alarming snake sighting ended with an extraordinary explanation: the giant python hiding beneath their shed had just eaten an opossum.