A tense week in Richmond Heights ends with swift action and an important reminder about South Florida wildlife
Thanksgiving week took an unexpected turn for residents of Richmond Heights in Southwest Miami-Dade when a 6.5-foot invasive Burmese python was spotted slithering through the neighborhood. What began as a startling sight quickly turned into days of unease, with neighbors sharing photos and warnings through the Nextdoor app, unsure where the snake had gone or when it might reappear. In a community known more for backyard barbecues than apex predators, the encounter rattled residents and raised serious safety concerns.
Burmese pythons, which can weigh between 30 and 40 pounds at that size, pose a real threat to small pets and native wildlife. Residents worried not only about cats and dogs, but also about raccoons, possums, and other animals common in South Florida neighborhoods. While attacks on humans are rare, the fear was understandable—especially with the snake unaccounted for.
How the python was safely captured
The situation came to a turning point on December 16, when a local resident spotted the python again, this time moving near a dense areca palm tree. Coincidentally, she had recently hired Humane Iguana Control to deal with iguanas damaging her pool area. She immediately contacted the company’s owner, Michael Ronquillo, to ask if he also handled python removals.
Ronquillo responded quickly, asking the homeowner to keep eyes on the snake so it wouldn’t disappear again. Within an hour, he arrived on site. Areca palms are notoriously thick, with multiple trunks that make locating wildlife difficult, but Ronquillo carefully shifted the foliage until he found the python’s head. Using proper technique, he safely secured the snake by grabbing it behind the neck and completed the removal without incident.
A reminder to leave wildlife to professionals
Experts strongly advise homeowners not to attempt to capture pythons on their own. These snakes have around 100 sharp, backward-facing teeth designed to grip prey, making bites extremely dangerous and difficult to escape—especially with larger snakes.
This incident serves as a powerful reminder that invasive species remain a serious issue in Miami-Dade, even in residential areas far from the Everglades. Staying alert, sharing information, and calling trained professionals can make all the difference.
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