Most visitors never meet most of this. Florida is a big state and its wildlife changes a lot from region to region - a cane toad is a South Florida backyard problem, a black bear is a central and north Florida one, and a crocodile only matters in the far south. These guides are here for the encounter you do have, not because one is likely.
Burmese pythons are one of Florida’s most famous invasive animals.
They are established in South Florida and can grow large enough to prey on mammals, including pets.
For dog and cat owners:
Do not approach a python and do not let your pet investigate one.
Burmese Pythons Are Established in South Florida
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says Burmese pythons are currently considered established from:
- Just south of Lake Okeechobee to Key Largo
- Western Broward County west to Collier County
The historic center of the population was Everglades National Park.
They Are Invasive
Burmese pythons are not native to Florida.
FWC classifies them as:
Nonnative invasive
They were added to Florida’s Prohibited species list in 2021.
Pythons Can Prey on Pets
FWC specifically states that Burmese pythons may prey on:
- Cats
- Dogs
That does not mean pet attacks are common.
It does mean owners in python country should take the risk seriously.
Where Pet Owners Should Be Most Alert
Awareness matters most around:
- Everglades
- Western Broward
- Miami-Dade wetland edges
- Collier County
- Southern Florida canals
- Dense vegetation near wetlands
Keep Small Pets Close
Do not allow:
- Small dogs to roam brush
- Cats to roam outdoors
- Dogs to investigate large snakes
Nighttime Matters
Large constrictors can be difficult to see in:
- Tall grass
- Brush
- Canal edges
- Roadsides
Use a flashlight for nighttime pet walks in rural South Florida.
Do Not Approach a Python
If you see a Burmese python:
- Keep dog away
- Take a photo from a safe distance if possible
- Note the location
- Report the sighting
FWC asks the public to report Burmese python sightings.
How to Report a Python
Current FWC reporting options include:
888-IVE-GOT1 888-483-4681
You can also use:
- IveGot1 mobile app
- IveGot1.org
Do Not Let Your Dog Attack It
A dog that grabs a python can be injured by:
- Bite
- Teeth
- Constriction
Even a smaller snake can cause significant wounds.
If a Python Bites or Constricts Your Dog
Treat it as a veterinary emergency.
Contact an emergency veterinarian.
Do not place yourself at unnecessary risk trying to physically fight a large snake.
Burmese Pythons Are Nonvenomous
They do not inject venom.
They kill prey by constriction.
That does not make them harmless.
How Big Can They Get?
Burmese pythons are large constrictors.
FWC notes that they can consume meals equivalent to their own body mass.
Large individuals can take substantial prey.
Why They Matter Ecologically
Burmese pythons prey on native Florida wildlife and have been linked to major declines in some mammal populations in the Everglades ecosystem.
They can also consume threatened and endangered species.
Current Control Efforts
Florida currently uses:
- Professional removal contractors
- Python Action Team programs
- Public reporting
- Python Patrol training
- Florida Python Challenge
The 2026 Florida Python Challenge removed 280 Burmese pythons during the 10-day event.
Can You Keep a Burmese Python as a Pet in Florida?
Current FWC guidance says Burmese pythons cannot be newly acquired as personal pets in Florida.
They are a Prohibited species.
Limited grandfathered possession rules apply to certain previously licensed animals.
Never Release an Exotic Snake
FWC emphasizes that released or escaped pets are a major source of introduced species.
Use the Exotic Pet Amnesty Program if an exotic pet can no longer be cared for.
Pet Safety Checklist in Python Country
- Keep dogs leashed
- Keep cats indoors
- Avoid dense brush
- Use flashlight at night
- Do not approach large snakes
- Report sightings
- Call veterinarian after any bite
Related Guides
- Boas, Pythons and Other Large Constrictors in Florida
- Florida Wildlife With Pets: Complete Guide
- Alligators and Dogs in Florida
- Crocodiles and Dogs in South Florida
- Florida Wildlife Emergency Checklist for Pet Travelers
Burmese pythons are real Florida wildlife now, even though they do not belong here.
For pet owners, prevention is mostly about distance and supervision.
Sources
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