A massive snake — believed to be a Burmese python — was spotted slithering through Doral last week.
Experts from Zoo Miami identified the snake through a video where it is digesting what neighbors say is a duck. Doral police have already urged the public to avoid approaching the snake and instead call 911 or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission if they see it.
“99.9% sure it’s a Burmese python,” said Ron Magill, the communications director at Zoo Miami, to Miami Herald newspartner CBS Miami.
As the snake slinks freely around Doral, home of the Trump National golf resort, some residents may have questions about the species. Here’s what to know about the Burmese python — and what to do if you see one.
What is a Burmese python?
The Burmese python, while nonvenomous, is one of the largest snakes in the world. In Florida, the invasive species is found primarily in the Everglades but has also been spotted across South Florida, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
These pythons, usually found near water, can range from 6 to 18 feet in length. They can be identified by dark brown blotches resembling the spots on a giraffe, according to the FWC.
Burmese pythons have been known to prey on mammals, birds, other reptiles, even alligators.
Are they dangerous?
No human deaths from Burmese pythons in the wild have been reported in Florida, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The risk of attack is very low, but these snakes can still pose a threat.
But in 2018, a 25-footer swallowed a woman in Indonesia. And in October of this year, a missing woman in Indonesia was found whole in the stomach of a 22-foot python.
So it’s best to be aware of your surroundings. Make sure to pay extra attention to your pets as pythons may prey on cats and dogs.
Stay on sidewalks, low-cut grass and areas with clear visibility, Magill, who works at Zoo Miami, told Miami Herald news partner CBS Miami. Also try to avoid high patches of grass and thickets of grass.
If you are bitten by a Burmese python, seek medical care and treat the wound to avoid infection.
What should I do if I encounter a python?
If you spot a Burmese python, contact the FWC immediately. Try to take a photo, note your location and call the Exotic Species Hotline at 888-483-468. You can also report the sighting online or on the IveGot1 app.
If you encounter a snake, the Humane Society recommends you keep your distance and try to identify the species. As long as it isn’t venomous or inside your home, leave it alone — it’ll likely go away.
