There's a Huge Burmese Python Roaming Around a Florida City

A gigantic Burmese python has been spotted slithering around a Florida city.

The python has been spotted gliding around Doral city, Miami. It is not yet clear just how big the python is, but several photos have circulated of it in residential areas.

While experts have not confirmed the exact species of the snake, it is very likely to be a Burmese python.

Burmese pythons are an invasive species in Florida. They are one of the biggest snake species in the world and on average measure from 10 to 16 feet.

The species is native to Asia, but they can also survive in Florida's subtropical climate.

The invasive species is particularly abundant in the Everglades national park. Occasionally they stray from their rural habitat and show up in populated areas.

Ron Magill, communications director at Zoo Miami, told the Miami Herald he is "99.9 percent sure" it is one of the invasive species.

The snakes blend in well with their environment and people should be on their guard, he said. "Stay away from high patches of grass and thickets of grass. Stay on sidewalks, low-cut grass, and areas where you have a clear sight of view around. And do not let your pets roam free," Magill added.

Security at Barbados, a neighborhood in Doral, was the first to warn residents about the serpent, the Miami Herald reported.

Resident Juan Ramirez spotted the python slithering out of a lake just outside his home.

"Walking around the lake, and was like, where is the snake?" And then I saw the snake and went, like, 'Wow!'" Ramirez told the news outlet.

He has not been the only resident to spot the snake.

Doral resident Nelly Pujols said in Facebook group "Residents of Doral" that her son had spotted the serpent in a lake near 114 Avenue.

"Be aware with kids playing nearby and pets!" Pujols said.

Vanessa Jaramillo responded to the post with a video of the python lurking in the water.

Enrique Garcia also shared photos to the Facebook group, where the python was spotted near 50 street and 114 Avenue of the city.

The City of Doral government responded to the photos, saying that the Wildlife Control Department had been made aware of the situation.

Burmese pythons were first introduced to Florida's environment in the 1970s—likely as exotic pets released into the wild. Ever since, they have been extremely destructive to the native ecosystem, and their population is increasing.

Burmese pythons kill their prey by constriction. The snakes are incredibly strong and can suffocate a victim by coiling around it tightly. In the wild in Florida, Burmese pythons generally eat small mammals such as rabbits and foxes. They rarely attack humans.

Florida officials have initiatives in place to control the species, such as the annual Burmese python-hunting challenge. U.S. citizens can take part in the challenge by hunting as many of the snakes as possible, to remove them from the environment.