Watch Two Florida Men Discover a Jumbo-Sized Python in the Sewer

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What starts out as a lively fishing adventure in the sewers of Miami ends up as something entirely different. As this video shows, you never know what is lurking beneath city streets! This extraordinary footage has already been viewed more than 12 million times.

Where Do Pythons Usually Live?

Pythons are large, muscular snakes with variable skin colors. Their distribution covers Africa, Asia, and Oceania, so they are described as “Old World” snakes. They can grow up to 30 feet in length and can be found in a wide range of habitats. These include deserts, scrublands, grasslands, and woodlands, as well as swamps and rainforests. There are more than 40 different species of python.

The snake in this clip is most likely a Burmese python. Their natural habitats are the jungles and grassy marshes of Southeast Asia. However, they are now found in some areas of the U.S., most notably Florida.

How Did Burmese Pythons Get to Florida?

There is now a breeding population of Burmese pythons in the Everglades National Park in Florida. Apparently, this video was shot around five miles from the Everglades. These pythons were first spotted in the Everglades in 1979. The first was spotted in the Keys in 2007. Miami is the center of the exotic pet trade, and dealers used to import these large snakes from Southeast Asia in large quantities. While it is now illegal to import or purchase a Burmese python in the state, the most likely explanation for their abundance is that they were escaped pets or snakes that had been released on purpose by irresponsible owners.

What Damage Have Invasive Pythons Caused in Florida?

Burmese pythons are now one of the most concerning invasive species in Florida. Their presence is disrupting the local ecosystem, and they are competing with native species for food. They eat mammals, birds, and other reptiles — as a result, several native species are experiencing a severe decline in their numbers.

According to the United States Geological Survey, it is the remote southernmost region of the Everglades National Park that is most severely affected. This is where the invasive python population has been established for the longest. The drastic reductions include a 99.3 percent drop in the raccoon population and a 98.9 drop in the opossum population. Furthermore, the number of bobcats has reduced by 87.5 percent. Sadly, the marsh rabbit, cottontail rabbit, and fox populations have been effectively wiped out completely. The authorities have indicated that it will now be impossible to eradicate the pythons and are focusing their efforts on controlling their numbers and preventing their spread.

Is It Normal for Burmese Pythons to Live in Sewers?

Burmese pythons are a large, non-venomous snake native to Southeast Asia. They typically inhabit swamps, marshes, and rainforests but can also be found in urban areas. These pythons are a common sight in Southeast Asia and can be a pleasant addition to the environment if allowed to remain undisturbed. In their native habitats they are an important part of the food chain and are also a popular pet choice for those who can provide the proper care and environment. These snakes are excellent climbers and swimmers and can reach lengths of up to 20 feet.

Burmese pythons construct nests in hollow logs or holes in the ground. The female will lay an average of 40 eggs in these nests, which she will then coil her body around to keep them warm until they hatch.

It is not normal for Burmese pythons to live in sewers. Although they may occasionally find their way underground, they are not well-suited to this environment and typically prefer to remain above ground. However, as this video shows, in Florida where they are an invasive species, they can be found in sewers where you don’t expect them!