In Cape Coral, Florida, a homeowner is seriously considering selling her home after her dog came face to face with a 9-foot python in her backyard. And to make matters even scarier, this encounter came less than a week ago after a massive python had been crawling around in a neighbor’s driveway.
According to WflaNews, it had been on Tuesday that Lexi Pantelup heard her dog Cane yelp in their backyard, prompting Lexi to check on her dog’s welfare. That was when she spotted the python. Cane and the python were about head-to-head. Fortunately, Lexi was able to prevent what could have been a fatal encounter with her dog.
Snakes in the area are nothing unusual, however most have been small water moccasins. After all, this is Florida, and there are a lot of slithery creatures living in the nearby ponds and streams; often in residential backyards. This time, however, wildlife experts identified it as an invasive Burmese python – not unlike another one recently found curled up in the driveway. No one knows why they have been spotted in Cape Coral.
Without a photo, the Wildlife Conservation Commission would not come out to her home, and Lexi wants to warn everyone about the snakes in the area. Small individual pythons are not generally dangerous to pets or people. Larger Burmese pythons have large, sharp teeth, and their bites can be dangerous. Most bites occur when the snakes are intentionally taunted. Large Burmese pythons are capable of eating dogs and cats.
Information: If you spot a Burmese python, take a photo, note the location and report the sighting to the FWC’s Exotic Species Hotline at 888.483.4681.
We are glad you and Cane are safe. Always be aware of your surroundings.
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