Invasive Pythons Increasingly Found in Florida urban Areas,Raising Safety Concerns
NAPLES,FL – Burmese pythons,typically associated with the Florida Everglades,are increasingly venturing into urban areas and even homes across Southwest Florida,prompting heightened concern from residents and wildlife officials. A record-breaking 19-foot python, recently captured in eastern Collier County, underscores the growing reach of the invasive species and the challenges of containing its spread.
These encounters, while still relatively rare, are becoming more frequent as python populations explode within the Everglades. The snakes are driven by a search for food and suitable habitat, and increasingly, that leads them into proximity with people and their properties. The heaviest Burmese python ever recorded, a 215-pound female nearly 18 feet long caught in the Everglades in 2022, highlights the potential size and threat these snakes pose. Experts warn that continued expansion beyond the Everglades could led to increased risks of human-python interactions,potential pet predation,and further disruption of native ecosystems.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has documented a notable increase in reported python sightings outside of the everglades in recent years. While specific numbers for urban encounters aren’t readily available, the FWC actively encourages residents to report any python sightings through its IveGot1Python program. The program aims to remove pythons from the wild and gather data on their distribution.
“These snakes are apex predators and can pose a threat to native wildlife, including endangered species,” said Melissa Hill, a wildlife biologist with the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. “Their presence in urban areas is a new progress that requires increased vigilance and proactive management strategies.”
The FWC and partner organizations are employing various methods to control the python population, including incentivized removal programs, research into python behavior, and public awareness campaigns. The recent capture of the 19-foot python, which surpassed the previous record of 18 feet, 10 inches set in 2022, demonstrates the success of these efforts, but also the continued need for aggressive intervention. Residents are advised to remain aware of their surroundings, keep pets indoors when possible, and report any python sightings to the FWC instantly.