Morning wake-up calls are supposed to be coffee and sunlight, not scales under the sheets. But a group of friends staying at an Airbnb in Punta Gorda say they opened their eyes to find a snake curled up under the bedcovers and decided to pull it out themselves.
A short video clip shows the guests lifting the reptile away from the mattress as startled shouting fills the room, then quickly hustling it out of the bedroom. The unexpected encounter is a pointed reminder that in Southwest Florida, wildlife can slip indoors with ease as temperatures start to rise.
As reported by FOX 13 Tampa Bay, the clip was posted today and identifies the scene as an Airbnb in Punta Gorda. The station did not name the host or provide a street address.
Wildlife season and safety advice
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, snakes become more active in the spring and are more likely to wander into yards and structures while they hunt and mate. The agency recommends giving snakes plenty of space and specifically warns people not to try to handle or move the animals themselves.
Who to call in Punta Gorda
Charlotte County Animal Control handles local wildlife and animal-safety calls. The county lists Animal Control Dispatch at 941-833-5690 during business hours, and directs after-hours emergencies to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office at 941-639-2101. Officials there can advise visitors and residents on whether an officer or licensed trapper should respond.
Tips for renters and hosts
Guests who discover a snake are urged to document the situation from a safe distance, notify the host and contact local animal control rather than trying to capture or relocate the animal themselves. Property owners and hosts can reduce the odds of encounters by clearing brush and rodent attractants, sealing obvious entry points, and keeping the grounds tidy. For reports of large or nonnative reptiles, FWC offers reporting tools and a hotline; see FWC resources on nonnative species for guidance.
FOX 13 Tampa Bay published the clip and, as of its posting, did not include a follow-up statement from the property owner. For visitors in Florida, officials say the safest move is to step back, keep pets away and let trained professionals handle any unexpected wildlife guests.
