Burmese python confiscated at Coney Island after owner caught showing it to crowd
CONEY ISLAND, Brooklyn (WABC) -- A Brooklyn man is facing a charge after environmental conservation officers say he was caught showing off a large Burmese python to a crowd at Coney Island.
The incident happened July 12 near the Riegelmann Boardwalk, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
An Environmental Conservation Officer spotted a large snake surrounded by about a dozen people, including small children.
The DEC said a man with a second snake, identified as a ball python, wrapped around his neck was handling the larger snake and showing it to the crowd.
When questioned by the officer, the man identified the larger snake as a Burmese python and admitted that he owned it, according to the DEC.
Burmese pythons are classified as dangerous animals and are illegal to possess in New York State.
The man was issued a ticket for illegal possession and the Burmese python was confiscated.
Another environmental conservation officer helped transfer the snake to the Nassau County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Officials say Burmese pythons can pose a danger to people and can severely impact native wildlife populations if they are released or introduced into the environment.
The DEC did not identify the snake's owner.
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