Golden Gate Estates, Fla. – A resident’s backyard turned into a wildlife nightmare last week when a nearly 9‑foot female Burmese python slithered into an enclosure and swallowed half of a pet peacock named Violet. The incident underscores the expanding range of invasive pythons as development pushes human habitation closer to the Everglades.
Agent responds to frantic call
Rhett Stanberry, a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC) python‑removal specialist, was alerted by a neighbor who discovered the massive snake coiled around the peacock’s cage. “It’s hard for me to see people hurting with their pets being lost,” Stanberry said. “But then, I can go in and remove the invasive predator.”
Python had already consumed half the bird
When Stanberry arrived, the python had already swallowed the first half of Violet. “By the time my neighbor found the peacock, the python had already consumed the first half of it, so it was too late,” he explained. The snake was quickly captured and removed by hand, a testament to the agency’s training and dedication.
Why pythons are appearing farther north
Stanberry noted that sightings of Burmese pythons are becoming more frequent outside the Everglades. “They’re expanding their range. And so they’re now being found outside of the Everglades as humans are moving closer to the Everglades. So we’re having a conflict of people and pythons,” he said.
Legal options for homeowners
FWC confirmed that it is legal for homeowners to humanely kill invasive pythons year‑round if they are spotted on private property. The agency encourages residents to report sightings promptly, as early intervention can prevent further damage to pets, livestock, and native wildlife.
What residents can do
Experts advise homeowners to keep enclosures secure, remove potential hiding places, and stay vigilant for any signs of large snakes. If a python is sighted, contacting FWC immediately can help ensure a safe and swift removal.
The incident serves as a reminder that invasive species management is a shared responsibility. As Florida’s population continues to grow, cooperation between residents and wildlife officials will be essential to protect both beloved pets and the state’s fragile ecosystems.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
