Six-foot python found hiding in palm tree near Miami home on Christmas

He was a Christmas visitor who did not overstay his welcome.

The Burmese python sighting in a Miami-Dade neighborhood was removed just days before Christmas after a resident out for a walk found the snake hiding in an areca palm next to a home and contacted a local snake catcher.

The snake’s removal came after neighbors became increasingly concerned about the snake’s proximity to homes, pets and children as the holidays approached.

In the video taken from the scene, the surprised reactions of the surrounding residents were recorded as the python was pulled from the palm tree.

When the snake appears, an unidentified woman can be heard gasping, “Oh my God, oh my God.”

FLORIDAN WOMAN WINS ANNUAL PYTHON CHALLENGE WITH RECORD SNAKE HANDLING

Michael Ronquillo of Humane Iguana Control identified the snake on camera as a Burmese python and explained how it got into the residential area.

“So this is a Burmese python invading the neighborhood. It probably came from one of the local canals. So we’re happy we were able to capture it,” Ronquillo said.

While local residents panicked at the size of the snake, Ronquillo remained calm while handling the snake.

“Yeah, I thought it would be bigger,” he said as he handled the reptile.

Ronquillo said the python’s location made the situation particularly dangerous because it was hiding deep in an areca tree right next to a house.

“He was so deep in this areca tree that he could have easily grabbed someone’s pet or attacked a person. Luckily, a walking neighbor kept an eye on him to see where he was hiding,” Ronquillo said.

Reptile Hunter Climbed into Apartment Dumpster to Remove 16-Foot Python in Los Angeles

A Burmese python is seen hiding under an areca palm in Miami-Dade, Florida, before being removed. (Courtesy of Humane Iguana Control)

“The areca palm was actually right next to the house, so it was quite dangerous,” he added.

The python was “about 1.8 meters long and weighed about 30 kilograms,” according to Ronquillo.

Residents were particularly concerned about the potential danger to their families if the snake remained in the neighborhood.

“They were quite surprised to see such a large snake in their neighborhood since it wasn’t a very common occurrence. They were mostly worried about pets and small children,” Ronquillo said. “They were also worried that if ovulation had occurred, the situation could have been much worse.”

Ronquillo explained that removal of the snake was risky due to its position in the palm.

“The location where I hid it was quite dangerous because it was difficult to determine where the head was with so many palm trees in the areca,” he said.

Michael Ronquillo poses with a Burmese python taken from his Florida neighborhood. (Courtesy of Humane Iguana Control)

Despite the danger, experience makes a difference, Ronquillo said.

“When you do iguana and python removal regularly, you get used to dealing with them. That’s exciting for us,” he said.

Ronquillo said the python could pose a serious threat to pets and wildlife if it remained in the area.

“It will start consuming cats and native animals like opossums and raccoons,” he said.

Ronquillo said python sightings in urban areas are becoming increasingly common.

“This is becoming quite common, with urban areas experiencing at least one or two moves every month,” he said. “About five months ago we removed another python that was causing panic in Doral.”

He warned residents not to try to handle a python on their own.

Michael Ronquillo of Humane Iguana Control holds a Burmese python after it was removed from Miami-Dade County, Florida. (Courtesy of Humane Iguana Control)

“They have roughly 100 very sharp teeth pointed backwards [to] lock up their prey,” said Ronquillo. “To take [a] “If the python is very large, the bite may be difficult to remove or may be fatal,” he added.

Ronquillo said residents should refrain from intervening if they spot a python.

“They should be careful with him and not harass him so he doesn’t run away,” he said. “And again [do] If you don’t have experience, don’t try to catch it.”

Trained professionals are best equipped to safely handle invasive snakes, Ronquillo said.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION

“Trained python removal companies like us have the knowledge and expertise to get the job done correctly and safely,” he said.

“Since it is an invasive species, it is also important to humanely euthanize it as stated in the FWC [Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission] website,” he added.