A six-foot python was found hiding in a palm tree near a Miami home over Christmas
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It was one Christmas guest who didn’t overstay his welcome.
A Burmese python spotted in the Miami-Dade area was removed a few days before Christmas after a resident found the snake hiding in a palm tree near a home and contacted a local snake handler.
The snake’s release came after neighbors became increasingly concerned about its proximity to homes, pets and children as the holidays approached.
Video from the scene captured the astonishment of nearby residents as the python was dragged from the palm tree.
“Oh my god” an unknown woman gasped when the snake appeared.
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Humane Iguana Control pulls a Burmese iguana from an areca palm in Florida. (Courtesy of Humane Iguana Control)
Michael Ronquillo of Humane Iguana Control identified the snake on camera as a Burmese iguana and explained how it might have entered a human settlement.
“So this is the Burmese python that was attacking this area. It probably came to one of the local canals. So we are happy that we were able to catch it,” said Ronquillo.
While the villagers seemed frightened by the snake’s size, Ronquillo remained calm as he handled it.
“Yes, I thought it would be big,” he said, arguing with the reptile.
Ronquillo said the location of the python made the situation more dangerous because it was hiding in a palm tree near the home.
“It was so deep in this areca palm that it could snatch a domestic animal or attack a person. Fortunately, a neighbor who was walking was watching to see where it was hiding,” said Ronquillo.
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A Burmese python was seen hiding under a palm tree in Miami-Dade County, Florida before it was removed. (Courtesy of Humane Iguana Control)
“The areca palm was actually near the house, so it was very dangerous,” he added.
The python measured “about 6½ feet long and weighed 30 pounds,” according to Ronquillo.
Residents were very worried about the possible dangers to their families if this snake still lives in the neighborhood.
“As it is not a normal thing, they were shocked to see such a big snake in their neighborhood. They were very worried about their pets and small children,” said Ronquillo. “They were worried and if it had happened it would have been worse.”
Ronquillo explained that removing the snake was dangerous because of its position inside the palm of the hand.
“The place where I was hiding was very dangerous since it was difficult to determine where the head was with so many palm trees as there are areca.
Michael Ronquillo stands with a Burmese python after it was removed from Florida. (Courtesy of Humane Iguana Control)
Although there is danger, Ronquillo said experience makes a difference.
“Getting rid of the mess and taking naps every now and then, you just get used to controlling yourself. We’re happy about that,” he said.
If the python lived in this area, Ronquillo said it would be a big threat to domestic animals and wildlife.
“It will start eating cats and native animals such as possums and raccoons,” he said.
Ronquillo said that sightings of pythons in urban areas are starting to increase.
“It has become commonplace, one to two people are being removed every month in urban areas,” he said. “About five months ago, we removed another antelope from Doral that was causing panic.”
He warned the villagers not to try to handle the python alone.
Michael Ronquillo of Humane Iguana Control holds a Burmese iguana after it was removed from the Miami-Dade area of Florida. (Courtesy of Humane Iguana Control)
“They have about 100 sharp teeth facing backwards [to] lock up their game,” said Ronquillo [a] the bite can be difficult to remove or even fatal if the python is too big,” he added.
If residents see an antelope, Ronquillo said they should avoid interfering.
“They should keep a close eye on it and not bother it so it doesn’t come out,” he said. “And again [do] don’t try to shoot if you don’t have experience.”
Ronquillo said trained professionals are better equipped to handle aggressive snakes safely.
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“Trained python removal companies like us have the knowledge and skills to get the job done safely,” he said.
“Since it is an invasive species, it is also important to promote it humanely, as stated by the FWC. [Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission] website,” he added.
