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.<\/p>\n
The incident happened July 12 near the Riegelmann Boardwalk, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.<\/p>\n
An Environmental Conservation Officer spotted a large snake surrounded by about a dozen people, including small children.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Burmese pythons are classified as dangerous animals and are illegal to possess in New York State.<\/p>\n
The man was issued a ticket for illegal possession and the Burmese python was confiscated.<\/p>\n
Another environmental conservation officer helped transfer the snake to the Nassau County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The DEC did not identify the snake’s owner.<\/p>\n
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