Wildlife experts in Brevard County say invasive Burmese pythons are moving northward, with recent sightings reported in areas near the Indian River and Sebastian Inlet. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission confirmed three confirmed python captures in the county since January 2026, marking a shift in the species' range. "This is the first time we've seen consistent movement beyond the Everglades," said Dr. Laura Hayes, a herpetologist with FWC. "Warmer temperatures and connected waterways are likely fueling their spread."
The Burmese python, native to Southeast Asia, was first documented in Florida in the 1980s after being released or escaping from private collections. Today, the population is concentrated in South Florida, particularly in Everglades National Park, where they prey on native mammals, birds, and reptiles. Biologists estimate the population has grown to over 100,000 snakes, according to a 2025 FWC report. "They're highly adaptable," Hayes said. "They can survive in wetlands, forests, and even suburban areas."
Researchers attribute the northward migration to rising temperatures and the expansion of waterways that connect South Florida to the Space Coast. The St. Johns River and Indian River Lagoon, which flow through Brevard County, may act as corridors for the snakes. "We've found pythons in mangrove forests near Melbourne and along the Mosquito Lagoon," said Hayes. "They're not here in large numbers yet, but the trend is clear."
FWC officials urge residents to report python sightings through their hotline or app, but warn against attempting to capture or handle the snakes. "They can grow up to 20 feet long and have powerful jaws," Hayes said. "Let the experts handle it." The agency has increased trapping efforts in Brevard County, but officials say the snakes are difficult to detect in dense vegetation.
Local conservation groups are also monitoring the situation. The Audubon Society of Brevard has launched a volunteer program to survey wetlands for pythons. "We're concerned about the impact on native species," said program director Mark Reynolds. "If pythons establish a population here, it could be a long-term problem." FWC plans to release more data on python sightings in the coming months as they assess the threat to Brevard's ecosystems.