Suspected Burmese Python Sighting in Abaco

The Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources is investigating reports of a snake in Abaco believed to be a Burmese python, warning that the potentially invasive species could pose a serious threat to the island's wildlife, agriculture and wider ecosystem.

The ministry said it is treating the reported sighting seriously because of the highly invasive nature of Burmese pythons and the potential danger an established population could present to native species.

While Burmese pythons are non-venomous constrictors, the public is being urged to exercise caution, maintain a safe distance and avoid unnecessarily handling any large snake encountered.

The ministry is also asking residents to immediately report any additional sightings so officers can document the location, assess the animal and determine the appropriate response.

Where a snake has already been captured or killed, officials are requesting that the body be kept as intact as possible, as an examination could help authorities determine the sex of the animal and gather other biological information important to the investigation.

Residents are encouraged, where it is safe to do so, to record the location and time of any sighting, along with photographs, video and other relevant information that could assist investigators.

All sightings in Abaco should be reported to Agriculture Officer Josefina Adderley-Curry at 376-5069.