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Palm Beach County: A Python-Free Zone?
21 Jul
Summary
- 56 Burmese pythons removed from southern Palm Beach wetlands since January.
- Pythons remain largely absent from densely populated eastern communities.
- Experts cite tighter pet ownership rules and education for slower releases.
As of 2026, Palm Beach County has not become a significant haven for Burmese pythons, despite 56 of the invasive reptiles being removed by wildlife contractors from its southern and southwestern wetlands since the start of the year. These snakes have not spread into more densely populated eastern communities, preferring undeveloped wetland habitats.
Experts suggest that pythons naturally avoid areas with high human activity. Furthermore, increased public education and tighter regulations on the private ownership of large constrictor snakes appear to be contributing to a reduction in released pets becoming wild pythons. Statewide efforts, including the annual Python Challenge, have removed over 19,000 pythons since their inception.
