Primary Range in South Florida
Burmese pythons are concentrated in southern Florida, especially in Miami-Dade, Collier, Hendry, and Monroe counties. Most sightings come from the Everglades ecosystem, where warm wetlands and abundant prey support large populations.
Preferred Habitats
They favor marshes, swamps, canals, and drainage areas with dense vegetation and standing water. Pythons also use tree lines, levees, and agricultural ditches as travel corridors between wetlands and human-altered landscapes.
Spread Beyond the Core Area
Sightings have expanded northward into Broward, Palm Beach, and parts of central Florida. They occasionally appear near suburban neighborhoods, golf courses, and retention ponds, often along waterways that connect to the Everglades.
Why They Are Found There
Florida’s climate and landscape closely match the python’s native habitat. Released or escaped pets established breeding populations, and the region provides ample food, shelter, and mild winters. For more details on the python problem in Florida, visit National Park Service Burmese Python Information.
