Burmese pythons, one of the five largest snakes in the world, are dark brown snakes with patterned blotches on their scales. The enormous snakes originated in Southeast Asia with many calling the Everglades home.
The enormous, constricting snakes are between 12-19 feet long and live close to water and in tropic environments. Burmese pythons can be found in grasslands, marshes, swamps, river valleys and jungles, and are amazing swimmers and climbers with strong grips.
Hidden by their camouflaged colors, these nocturnal snakes wait for their prey without being detected. Burmese pythons feed on mice, rats, birds and rabbits and other small mammals. They use their sharp teeth to seize prey, wrapping its body around, and at the same time, tightening its muscles and killing it.
These snakes breed in the early spring, with the females laying between 12-36 clutches (eggs) in March or April. The female will wrap around the clutches tightly, which raises the temperature. The hatchlings will use their egg tooth to cut their way out of the clutches and remain there until they hunt for the first meal and shed their skin.
Burmese pythons can live beyond 20 years and shouldn’t be a family pet. They’re capable of biting and even killing with its tight muscles. These snakes have an appetite and require custom-built, safe enclosure for their size and strength.
Burmese pythons are a protected species in the State of Florida. Violators that own the snakes can be imprisoned for more than seven years or fined $500,000 if convicted.
At Wild Florida, you can experience a 16-foot Burmese python along with gators and other cute creatures. If you’re looking to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most incredible animal species, visit Wild Florida today.
