Large Burmese Python Removed from Miami-Dade Neighborhood Tree, Raising Safety Concerns
MIAMI, Fla. — Just days before Christmas, a six-and-a-half-foot Burmese python weighing approximately 30 pounds was safely removed from an areca palm tree adjacent to a Miami-Dade home, alleviating fears among residents about the potential threat to children and pets. The snake’s discovery in a residential neighborhood underscores ongoing concerns about invasive species disrupting local ecosystems and endangering urban communities.
Michael Ronquillo, a professional snake wrangler with Humane Iguana Control, responded after a local resident spotted the python hiding deep within the dense foliage of the palm tree. Video footage captured by Humane Iguana Control shows the tense moment the snake was carefully extracted, eliciting gasps from onlookers as the large reptile emerged. “It was pretty dangerous,” Ronquillo said, noting the snake’s proximity to homes and the difficulty in safely capturing it due to the thick palm stalks obscuring the python’s head.
“This Burmese python most likely entered the neighborhood via one of the local canals,” Ronquillo explained. Florida’s extensive canal systems have long been pathways for nonnative species, including Burmese pythons, which have established breeding populations in the Everglades and surrounding areas. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has repeatedly warned residents about the dangers posed by these invasive snakes, which can grow to more than 20 feet and prey on native wildlife as well as pets.
Residents expressed alarm over the python’s presence so close to their homes, particularly with the holiday season underway. “They were mostly worried about pets and small children,” Ronquillo said, emphasizing that the snake’s ability to hide so effectively made it a serious risk. The possibility of the python laying eggs in the area further heightened concerns, as it could lead to a larger population establishing itself in the neighborhood.
Florida’s struggle with invasive Burmese pythons has been well documented, prompting state and federal agencies to implement removal programs and public education campaigns. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission offers resources to help residents identify and report sightings. Additionally, the U.S. Geological Survey conducts research on the ecological impacts of these invasive reptiles in South Florida.
Ronquillo’s team with Humane Iguana Control specializes in the safe capture and removal of large reptiles, including pythons, to protect both the animals and the public. Their work complements efforts by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which enforces regulations to prevent the spread of invasive species and supports eradication initiatives.
As Burmese python sightings become more common in urban areas, experts urge vigilance and prompt reporting to authorities. The removal of this python from a Miami-Dade neighborhood tree serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges Florida faces in managing invasive wildlife and protecting its communities. Residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with safety guidelines and to contact professionals if they encounter potentially dangerous reptiles.
For more information on dealing with invasive species and reporting sightings, the National Invasive Species Information Center provides comprehensive resources and contacts.
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