Community Corner

14-Foot Boa Constrictor Reportedly Swimming in Lake Hopatcong

Serpent seen swimming near Capp Beach, report says.

The ocean can have Jaws. Lake Hopatcong has a gigantic, potentially dangerous snake. 

State police and local authorities say they’re investigating a report of a 14-foot boa constrictor that was spotted swimming in Lake Hopatcong near Capp Beach, according to nj.com.

The witness told police the serpent was longer than 14 feet from head to tail, the report said. No one in the area called in a report of a missing snake, either, the report said. How the witness knew the breed of snake was not known.

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During the summer months, Lake Hopatcong is home to busy weekends as boating and partying takes place on the water. 

A Facebook page titled The BCP, also known as The Byram Cove Party, where Lake Hopatcong boaters and residents congregate online to share photos, video and discussion about events, posted an announcement about the reported snake on Wednesday.

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"Lake Hopatcong friends please beware of a very large reported 15+ft Boa Constrictor that has been seen by several neighbors, last seen swimming toward Halsey Island. Animal Control has been called," the post read.

"I just spoke to the Marine Police and this is NOT a hoax. It was last seen by CAPP Beach going towards Halsey. Marine police have been out looking but have NOT found it," said Barbara Colfer Pugsley in the comments thread.

"Is this serious? Like I need facts.... I've lived on the lake my whole life and I've never been so scared to jump in the water after seeing this," said Cait Scanlon on the same thread.

As of Thursday afternoon the status update had 56 comments and 157 shares.


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