Large snake still on loose in N.J.

Authorities are warning residents of a southern New Jersey town to be on the lookout for a large snake that escaped from its owner.

The 6-foot red-tailed boa was photographed in a tree eating a seagull in the Villas section of Lower Township.

Police Chief William Mastriana tells The Press of Atlantic City the owner was cleaning the snake’s aquarium when it got loose.

Mastriana says red-tailed boas are nocturnal and shy by nature. But officials are urging residents to supervise children and pets.

The owner’s name has not been released and the person does not face any charges.

The snake escape occurred days after state wildlife officials failed to find any evidence of an exotic snake reported in Lake Hopatcong in northern New Jersey.