14-Foot Boa Constrictor/Anaconda Reportedly Swimming in Lake Hopatcong
HHSM That poor feral snake. I hope somebody takes the time to feed and neuter it so it can live happily in its new home.
Common Sense 
Nosila Haven't been swimming in a lake for many years and this just confirms that I won't be for many more!!!
JRT 
5catmom 
Nosila: Be afraid, I googled it and there are many BOA sightings across the nation, we have three right here in Hackettstown. There's one on Main Street catty corner to Bergan tool, one in Panther Valley, and a small one next to Shop Rite :>)
I know it's a bit gruesome but I posted a picture of a man being consumed by one. Squeezed him and took him for all he was worth.
mistergoogle I've never gone swimming in a lake and I never would. I guess that's a good thing then. ;-)
Calico696 
botheredbyuu2 Calico you've never been swimming in a lake? That's funny I thought that is what most of us did around here as kids:)
I like to swim in the Great Lakes, it's like the ocean without salt.
I like to swim in the Finger Lakes but it tends to make my suit bind up.
kayaking Holy crap!
Does anyone know - can Boas survive a NJ winter living in the wild? Or would our freezing temps do away with this lovely creature, if indeed the reports are true?
Rebecka Aren't boas terrestrial snakes? What would it be doing in the water, trying to squeeze a fish to death?
iPhone-imal No way, Rebecka! I dont believe it would make it through a winter here. Again, people buy these snakes as pets not realizing how big they can get and then just release them where ever they feel like. Rebecka, do you remember when we got the alligator at the center??
they need warmth - I wish Snakes -N -Scales - n turtle tales could get it - he does reptile rescue as well as great education programs
Iman, you're right. You will never see a Boa in the water unless they can't spell terrestrial.
Of course, there are some swimming Boas that many of us would love to be squeezed by :>)
According to the latest news from the Byram Cove Party Facebook page the snake is only 8 feet long.They are on an all out search for this terrifying beast. Even using decoys to try and lure the snake in for capture.
Hugh
emaxxman I am so phobic when it comes to these creatures. I can't even say the word without feeling lightheaded. I hope it's caught.
Jazzykatt 
mom of one I don't think these types of snakes really live in water. I have seen it is probably a python since boa's don't get that big. Don't think it could possibly survive the winter, or even the fall. I was on the lake on Saturday but no sightings by me.
Bryan The Mexicans have been taking care of snakes like this for quite a while. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2674096/Mexican-villagers-beat-giant-25-foot-snake-death-sticks-swallowed-child.html
Rebecka- there is no way a boa would survive a NJ winter. They actually did a study in South Carolina to see if Burmese pythons would survive the winter there, due to the growing concern of them moving up out of the Everglades as their food sources dwindle and their populations explode.
Theres a lot of articles on it, but here's a good run down of the study.
http://blogs.thatpetplace.com/thatreptileblog/2011/01/04/florida-burmese-python-study-snakes-cannot-survive-south-carolina-winter/#.U8O2DNm9LCQ
Penningslandscaping I heard on WPLJ this morning this snake is now 20 feet long.. Amazing how quickly he is growing! LOL! Didn't keep anyone away this weekend, signs on Route 80 - State Park Full.
JrzyGirl88 
Lynnada Thanks kayaking and Pennings, for info about snakes surviving our winters. I know very little about snakes. Hope he is caught and given a good home before cold weather comes.
Lynnada- I keep thinking the same thing! There are a few comics that have great skits about never finding "Old Nessy"!
This is a photo making the rounds this morning as the "captured" snake. People are sure gullible....
Clearly that photo is at some sort of zoo or something like that.
Greg 
I doubt they'll catch it honestly, they're pretty elusive. If you look up the capture/kill numbers from the over 1000 registrants in the Everglades Python Challenge, less than 100 were taken in, and the challenge lasted a few months I think. I can't find the info on it right now, but I've read up on this a lot, because reckless, idiotic people who have no respect for nature have destroyed the ecosystem in the everglades. Burmese Pythons have no natural predators in the everglades.
As their population grows, and the food sources dwindle, they'll spread out all over Florida, eating everything in sight.
Face to face with the beast can cause heart palpitations unless you are my grandson!
Peggy C 
That's a terrible situation in Florida. Before you know it those pythons will be eating little old ladies with blue hair. (probably from a box)
Here is proof that boas get big. We had one a few years ago. Beware residents of Lake Hopatcong.
Wild Angel 
Reggie Voter @jerseycash...
Not from a box! From a bottle! (ha-ha)
Blue rinse, and actually Revlon still makes them!
One of my favorite teachers had blue hair quaffed in that 50's housewife doo and fire engine red lipstick. Like being in class with Dear Abby in blue. She was a hoot complete with the ole gum-on-your-nose punishment. We all loved the "Blue Max."
I swim in the lake weekly and will continue to do so. I bet the news crew was laughing all the way back to NYC, for they took an entire lake community in the heart of Summer and made people scared to go into the water. I grew up swimming in lakes, saw many many snakes in the water with me and even if I saw this thing I wouldn't really care. Shame on the news for saying it is "up to 20 feet...will squeeze you to death." They're laughing at us and I'm not buying. It's a snake in a lake. Go in and stop worrying
Not sure why people are so freaked out over a snake. It is not poisonous so I am not sure why everyone is so alarmed. Yes the snakes can grow very huge in size but I am sure there is easier prey out in the lake than humans. Tell me we have rattlesnakes or something similar in the Hackettstown area and I will show concern.
dtejada1 
Rattlesnakes and Copperheads are poisonous snakes that are found in the Hackettstown area. I have seen both types of snakes in the wild. I have enclosed a picture of a New Jersey Rattlesnake.
Where were the rattlesnakes and copperheads spotted? I'll make sure to add that to my list of places to never visit.
A small boa or python could easily harm a small child. There is a swimming area at the state park area with lots of toddlers in the water. I don't know if boa's would attack a small child or not but I sure wouldn't want to find out if it could harm my kid.
A snake as big as is being reported could kill an *adult*. There is every reason to take precautions.
I've seen copperheads and rattlesnakes. It's rare to actually see one but they are definitely around.
As far as a python or boa, that's a big difference compared to a water or garter snake which are relatively harmless.
http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/06/world/americas/canada-snake-deaths/
Regardless of what you think, there is definitely a reason to be concerned.
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/ensp/pdf/snake_broch07.pdf
Check this site out it will answer a lot of your questions.
Copperheads are are around. The closest place to Htown you'll find a rattlesnake is probably Blairstown on the Kittatinny Ridge. They used to be on Schooleys Mtn, but those days are long gone.
Gadfly penningslandscaping lol please
you cant compare a African Rock Python to a boa someone said they saw, its this kind of hysteria that will most likely have people killing snakes when they see them around the lake the snake is probably not over 8ft long, most captive bred boas wont get to much bigger and the ones that do are worth some money so the owner would of not released it by the lake. I can pretty much guarantee its just a big rat snake or something and its not going to kill anyone. If you don't know what your talking about why respond African rock python your comment is a joke!
brandon good article. Mentions how people aren't taking it seriously enough and how it could possibly survive the winter...
http://www.nj.com/morris/index.ssf/2014/07/reptile_expert_to_search_for_boa_constrictor_in_lake_hopatcong.html
NJ101.5 is now reprorting the snake is actually an anaconda-the largest of all snakes. They eat *every day* and not just mice. Keep an eye on your pets, folks.
3wbdwnj Oh my freakin' god. http://www.nj.com/morris/index.ssf/2014/07/officials_not_taking_giant_lake_hopatcong_snake_seriously_resident_says.html
Time to call in J-Lo and Ice Cube to take care of business!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkX5t5ZJLEk
I heard him on WRNJ and he said nothing about an anaconda. I don't know who to believe but I will not go in the late until its caught.
Christine http://www.backwaterreptiles.com/snakes/green-anaconda-for-sale.html
It could be an anaconda, but whoever decided it was 20 feet is definitely exaggerating. Even for an anaconda most don't exceed 17. Hopefully it isn't an anaconda, from what I've read about them as pets, most say they're only for extremely experienced snake handlers because even in captivity they are generally highly aggressive.
RU Edit: Average is 17-20 fully grown, can grow up to 30 plus feet. Hopefully this guy catches it, and takes it to a sanctuary, and doesn't get hurt.
LeRoy Grimace they need to put a bounty on the snakes head, he will get caught/killed within a week, guaranteed!
Darrin I don't know what they eat, but the anaconda is classified as non-venomous. That makes me feel real good. NOT.
Ms Fishy 
Jdem Darrin - that would be a horrible idea. These snakes are powerful and can become very aggressive when cornered. If a person is not an experienced snake handler, someone could get hurt or killed.
Am I the only one who's watched a bit too much Nat Geo where they say even the experts never go in the water and only search with a long pole the snake can wrap around? If so, what's the wisdom of showing up to help in a wet suit?
Until there's a snake actually caught I don't think they have any idea of what kind it actually is. Best to always err on the side of caution and realize pets do escape. But a lot of this sounds like some old man's out of control fish tale.
GC I agree GC. There's far too much assumption and not nearly enough factual information. This seems to be just one more in an infinite line of sensationalized stories.
justintime there arnt any pics or video of this snake who knows and the reptile excpert being sworn not to tell what it actually is b.s. please ive heard its a 10-12ft burm which makes since , since the head is only the size of a hand maybe
Personally, I'm inclined to believe the expert they called in. He has 20 years experience with reptiles, saw the snake, and is saying he is sure of what he saw. His name and reputation are on the line. I don't think he'd be making such a definitive statement about the species if he weren't sure.
Well said Rebecka....
The public should be thanking him for donating his time and 20 years experience. I have dealt with him at common sense and always thought of him as smart, great drive for animals and concerned for well being.
I hope he gets the snake...and I can't wait to see the comments then..
He seems to be the only smart knowledgeable person on this situation.....and truly wants to helps.
Candace J Rebecka, I never said to catch the snake alive.
As much as animal lover that I am, something potentially this dangerous, although no incidents have yet occurred, should be put to a stop immediately by any means necessary, before someone gets hurt
Weekend hunting trip to the lake anyone?
fitter "Weekend hunting trip to the lake anyone?"
I'm actually surprised there hasn't be a slew of thrill-seekers on the lake looking for it already (even if just to get a picture.). This current reptile specialist just seems to remind me of Robert Shaw's character in Jaws. Let's hope he doesn't meet the same fate. LOL.
emaxxman - I am so with you on that. My vision of the great armada against the monster is the scene where the red neck flotilla is dropping sticks of lit dynamite to chum the water.
Lost hand in the emergency room. Dead cats and dogs. And an old tire. That's what results from weekend hunting trips with a bounty.
So who knows the second verse to Farewell Spanish Ladies? We're gonna need a bigger boat.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34v1hyfHXdQ
You got that right Nosila - thanks to Sir Mixalot for that one - and you for quoting the song - LOLOL!
Phil D. 
JerryG 
We're in the age of lazy typing so we'll have to make sure there is a catchy abbreviation for the media to use ... LoHo-Monster!
JeffersonRepub I like all the possibilities with LoHoMo Ian, but it probably won't gain much traction, partly because of those possibilities.
Oddly enough, when I was at work today I started calling it "Hopatconda" and when got home and saw that mistergoogle had posted what I'd been saying all day, I had to laugh. I have to go with "Hopatconda" then, of course :-D
We already had "Hoppie", which apparently dates back to the 1890's. It's supposed to have a dog's head and 20 foot serpentine body. Yeah, some kind of imagination in the Victorian Age. I've rarely heard anyone use the term or tell tales of "Hoppie" since I've lived here (14+years).
All of these people have seen this snake and there are NO pictures of it. Don't you find it weird that EVERYONE has a cell phone camera with them and there are NO pictures. I heard that the out of towners have invaded Lake Hopatcong this year. It's all HYPE people! There's no giant snake in the water, it's just a scare tactic by the locals to keep people away.
There was a sighting on Saturday by a boat captain but still no picks.
Snake spotted in Lake Hopatcong near Liffy Island
http://lakehopatcongnews.com/c13-local-news/snake-spotted-in-lake-hopatcong-near-liffy-island/
The snake "expert" that came out to help catch it claimed that it swam by his legs and he saw it, but couldn't catch it.
A few residents think that since the State Police haven't been able to stop the "Cove" party boat tieups, then the snake story was invented to try to scare folks away.
You never know, but I'm sure if it IS a fake, I doubt that anyone will take responsibility for starting and spreading the rumor.
Out of towners invade the lake every year. I am a little surprised that there hasn't been a picture though.
I dreaded the summer when the visitors would set up camp in the Grand Union parking lot when the State Park was filled to capacity.. Grills, coolers, taking up all the parking spots. Been a long time since I have lived there, I think Grand Union is Pathmark now.
Article in today's NY Daily News . . .
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/snake-loose-new-jersey-lake-green-anaconda-expert-article-1.1874763
Old Gent 
supposedly they can get up to 27 feet and 300 lbs - I am surprised it's not sick or dying because of the temperature.
Skippy 
Andrew's Mom LOL............this thread is so frickin funny.............yet scardy-snakie at the same time!
Maybe ScyFy channel will make a movie about it, something like "Snake-Nado".
The lake was rather quiet Sunday afternoon, so I think that the news of the Anaconda is scaring some people away. I don't think that it could survive a winter here, especially if this winter is anything like last year.
On that note, I'm going kayaking!! I'll bring my camera, just in case!
gpg I found the Yahoo post. Some comments are funny.
http://news.yahoo.com/traps-set-reports-giant-snake-njs-lake-hopatcong-231631570.html;_ylt=A0LEVzAY4c5TpAYAhZBXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTEzMjVhbjVlBHNlYwNzcgRwb3MDMgRjb2xvA2JmMQR2dGlkA1ZJUDM3Nl8x
Did anyone read that the Daily Record is doing a "reward" for anyone who can get a picture or video of the snake? I saw that this am online and was like 'that's real good, now the paper is trying to have people get bit'.
""reward" for anyone who can get a picture or video of the snake"
Yep, it's Jaws alright. A flotilla on the hunt, throwing lit sticks of dynamite in the water. After all, it's a killer that needs to be found and destroyed. Farewell and adieu.
JrzyGirl88
Yes, the Grand Union has been a Pathmark for a number of years now. Some weekends the line in the right lane extends from the Park to around half way to the Pathmark light. BTW, I almost hate having to shop there, in many cases the pricing is almost like going to a large convenience store, but that's probably because they don't have much competition really close.
Thanks Bryan - I found a link to the story and I'm mostly siding with Parker Space on this one. While it could be true, I'm still a skeptic until you "roll the videotape"!!!
http://www.njherald.com/story/26071863/2014/07/21/state-sets-traps-for-exotic-snake-in-lake-hopatcong
Denis Thanks for the update Phil D. my ex-fiancé still lives in the area I think, so I avoid it as much as possible. I would rather see the Hopataconda! LOL! I don't blame you for not liking to shop there, I hated it as well.
all I know when I go to my boat tomorrow I will be checking to make sure this is no snake hanging ou
SAAK I was up on the lake yesterday and couldn't find him
I am wondering if it is all a hoax, talking to people hearing totally different stories makes me wonder.
There is way too many people on that lake for no one to have gotten a photo
Firefly DEP finds no evidence of anaconda in Lake Hopatcong, removes traps
http://www.njherald.com/story/26097665/2014/07/23/dep-says-theres-no-evidence-of-anaconda-in-lake-hopatcong-removes-traps
I'm thinking one of these homeowners that border the Byram Cove Party made the whole thing up to discourage party goers in the cove. Spread a rumor that there is a big snake in the lake and hopefully break-up the 300 or 400 boat party every weekend in your backyard. Just a theory.
Residents seeking to quell 'Byram Cove Party'
http://www.dailyrecord.com/story/news/local/2014/06/15/residents-seeking-quell-byram-cove-party/10499279/
Yep RU, that's exactly what I mentioned a couple of days ago, that some of my friends and I have been thinking for a bit. If the State Police can't stop the party, maybe the power of rumor can!
News is saying Hoax. I wouldn't want to be the one to find it, if its not a hoax. Lol
Spring Fever So, they're saying that the "Warren County expert" Andrejchak is a liar? He claimed to have seen it up close and identified it unequivocally as a green anaconda.
Maybe they paid him off and shredded all the documents. It's a conspiracy !!!
Calm down people not everything had to have some mastermind plan. Just a snake in a lake, world is not ending, the town did not put it there , and Elvis is not alive living in lake hopatcong with tupac and trying to create a distraction.
See, this is where they're going wrong, looking for physical evidence of the snake. Because this is northern New Jersey, where mountain lions roam without leaving scat, footprints, dens, kill, hair, or showing up clearly on photographic media . . . but are routinely seen.
Aquarius So what does this snake expert have to say about this? If this was a made up story then what was it that he saw swim by his legs? I'm confused.
villani news reported tonight - nothing caught in traps and no sightings - but they did say that there are black snakes in the lake
shiver me timbers........that is one scary huge snake regardless of the pic location!
Thats funny I have boat on the Lake and as of today, there has been no sightings for the past few weeks, and no news on the snake
Did it move to New England for the lobster roll?
http://bangordailynews.com/2016/08/20/news/portland/giant-snake-skin-found-near-river-in-westbrook/
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