14-foot-long python found on the side of the road in Long Island, prompting investigation

Environment officers in New York’s Long Island were startled to find an unusual creature on the side of the road – a python.

Officers with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation received reports of a snake on the side of the road Feb. 14 in the town of Medford, the department said in a Wednesday news release. 

When officers arrived on the scene, they discovered the snake was a reticulated python. It was curled into a ball, but a closer looks showed the snake was dead. The officers removed the snake from the roadway and began to dispose of it when they measured the snake to be 14-feet-long.

What is a reticulated python?

Native to southern and Southeast Asia, reticulated pythons are one of the world’s longest snake species, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and can reach up to 20 feet in length. 

They are considered an invasive species in Florida, as they can be found throughout the state.  

More: A Florida homeowner opened his front door. He was bitten by an alligator.

Why was a python in New York?

Investigators said they are trying to determine who owned the snake. The pythons are one of the species listed as a dangerous animal that require owners to have a Dangerous Animal License.  The license allows the possession of the listed animals “for scientific, educational, exhibition, zoological, or propagation purposes.”

USA TODAY has reached out to the department of environmental conservation for updates. 

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Other reptiles found in New York

Days before the python was found, another reptile was found in New York.