State wildlife officials confirmed this week that Burmese pythons have become established in a portion of western Charlotte County, marking a notable expansion of the invasive snake’s range beyond its long-recognized South Florida strongholds.
What this means for residents and wildlife
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said the new satellite population sits north of Naples and Fort Myers along the Gulf Coast. Historically, Burmese pythons were concentrated in Everglades National Park in Miami-Dade County and later spread across areas from Lake Okeechobee to Key Largo and from western Broward to Collier counties.
Wildlife experts warn the new colony could accelerate ecological disruption in Charlotte County. These snakes are apex predators with broad diets; documented prey includes raccoons, opossums, bobcats, alligators and numerous bird species — sometimes animals larger than the snakes themselves.
"This is a generalist apex predator, and this is the why we're so interested in removing them from the ecosystem," said Ian Bartoszek, wildlife biologist and science coordinator at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida in Naples.
University of Florida wildlife ecologist Robert McCleery said similar python invasions elsewhere have led to severe declines in mammal populations and left altered, simplified ecosystems dominated by smaller or nonnative species. "This is a pattern we have not yet found a way to stop or reverse at the scales needed to address the problem," McCleery told ABC News.
Where pythons have been reported
The FWC said it began receiving a rising number of python reports beginning in 2020 concentrated around several Charlotte County communities, including Rotonda West, Placida, Englewood East and South Gulf Cove. The agency characterized the recent findings as evidence that the snakes are now established in parts of western Charlotte County.
| Historic core areas | Newly reported area |
|---|---|
| Everglades National Park (Miami-Dade) | Western Charlotte County (north of Naples/Fort Myers) |
| Lake Okeechobee to Key Largo | Rotonda West, Placida, Englewood East, South Gulf Cove |
| Western Broward to Collier counties | — |
Local impact and response
Conservationists say an established python population increases the likelihood of long-term negative effects on native wildlife communities and could complicate management efforts. Officials and researchers emphasize removal and monitoring but note large-scale eradication has not been achieved.
For residents, experts recommend reporting suspected python sightings to the FWC to assist tracking and response. The FWC maintains resources for identification and reporting; officials said they monitor tips and coordinate responses as needed.
- Report sightings: Contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission with location and photos if possible.
- Do not attempt: Residents should not try to capture or handle pythons themselves.
- Stay informed: Watch for FWC updates on detection efforts and guidance for landowners.
FWC spokespeople and regional conservation groups continue to assess the extent of the new population and its likely ecological effects. As officials monitor the situation, the development underscores the persistent challenge invasive predators pose across South Florida landscapes.
Mateo Rivera, News Block
