Newberry, South Carolina, August 21, 2025
News Summary
An albino python measuring 12 to 14 feet was successfully captured near Mid-Carolina High School in Newberry County. Local resident Warren Gallman and his friends tracked the snake for months, fearing its proximity to the school. Authorities suspect the python was a former pet, abandoned by its owner. This incident raises concerns about the risks posed by non-native species to local wildlife and public safety.
Newberry, South Carolina – A large python was captured near Mid-Carolina High School in Newberry County on August 18, 2025. The snake, which is suspected to be an albino python measuring between 12 to 14 feet long, was apprehended after months of observation and tracking by local resident Warren Gallman and his friends. The capture occurred at the intersection of U.S. Highway 76 and SC Highway 773, an area that had raised concerns due to the snake’s presence close to the school.
Gallman and his friends had been monitoring the snake and finally managed to capture it after determining a plan that involved Gallman’s son assisting during the operation. The captors have expressed that the snake may have been a former pet that was likely abandoned, as it is not native to the region.
Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster praised Gallman and his friends for their courage and quick thinking in apprehending the python, which could pose a threat to local wildlife and even humans due to its size. While pythons are non-venomous, their constricting abilities can make them dangerous, as explained by Sean Foley, a curator of herpetology at Riverbanks Zoo.
Authorities have not yet established whether the snake had an owner prior to its capture. Wildlife officials believe it could fall in line with other incidents where exotic pets have been abandoned, which poses serious risks to the environment. Such cases contrast starkly with the situation in Florida, where invasive snakes like pythons have been targeted, and bounties set for their capture.
The captured python will be transported to the Edisto Island Serpentarium for further care and evaluation. Originally, Gallman aimed to locate a local zoo or reptile habitat that could adopt the snake before learning about the Serpentarium’s capabilities.
A video of the snake’s capture, shared by Gallman on social media, gained notable attention from the local community and beyond, indicating the heightened interest in this unusual event. The state encourages responsible pet ownership to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future and underscores the importance of protecting local wildlife.
Background on Pythons in the Area
Albino pythons like the one captured are not indigenous to South Carolina. Their presence in the wild can disrupt local ecosystems and create unforeseen challenges for wildlife management. These snakes, when kept as pets, often require specialized care and can grow to significant lengths, leading some owners to abandon them when they become too large to handle.
The recent incident underscores the need for community awareness regarding exotic pets and their implications on local wildlife. Sheriff Foster noted that releasing non-native species into the wild presents serious concerns for both the environment and public safety. It is essential for residents to understand responsible pet ownership in order to prevent similar scenarios from arising.
FAQ
What type of python was captured in Newberry County?
The captured python is believed to be an albino python.
How long was the python?
The python measured approximately 12 to 14 feet long.
Where will the python be taken after its capture?
The python will be heading to the Edisto Island Serpentarium.
Is it common for pythons to be found in the wild in South Carolina?
No, pythons are not native to South Carolina, and their presence in the wild is concerning for local wildlife.
What risks do non-native species like pythons pose to the environment?
Non-native species can disrupt local ecosystems, harm native wildlife, and pose safety risks to humans.
Key Features of the Python Capture Event
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Capture | August 18, 2025 |
| Location | Near Mid-Carolina High School, Newberry County |
| Length of Python | 12 to 14 feet |
| Type of Python | Albino Python |
| Handler | Warren Gallman and friends |
| Destination After Capture | Edisto Island Serpentarium |
| Concerns Raised | Public safety and wildlife disruption |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
12-Foot Albino Python Captured in Newberry, South Carolina
Massive Python Captured Near School in Prosperity, SC
Albino Python Captured Near Mid-Carolina High School
Large Python Captured Near Mid-Carolina Schools
Python Rescued Near Mid-Carolina School in Prosperity, S.C.
Additional Resources
- WIS TV
- Wikipedia: Python (genus)
- WLTX
- Google Search: albino python south carolina
- WBTV
- Google Scholar: python environmental impact
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Python
- MSN News
- Google News: python captured newberry county
Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY
The NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewberry.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Newberry, Newberry County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Newberry Opera House performances, Newberry Arts Fest, and the Newberry County Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and agriculture that power the local economy such as Amick Farms and Newberry Mills. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
