29 Interesting Facts About Burmese Pythons (With Pictures)

Burmese pythons are some of the most impressive snakes on the planet. These massive reptiles have captured the public’s imagination for decades, both as exotic pets and as an invasive species making headlines in Florida. Whether you are a snake enthusiast or just curious about these giants, here are 29 fascinating facts about Burmese pythons.

1. They Are Native to Southeast Asia

Burmese pythons come from the tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia, including Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and surrounding countries. In their native habitat, they live in grasslands, marshes, and rainforests.

2. They Have Several Names

The scientific name for the Burmese python is Python bivittatus. They are also sometimes called the Burmese rock python. In parts of Asia, they go by various local names depending on the region.

3. They Are One of the Largest Snakes in the World

Burmese pythons are the third largest snake species on Earth, behind the reticulated python and the green anaconda. They regularly reach lengths of 12 to 18 feet, with some exceptional individuals exceeding 20 feet.

4. They Can Weigh Over 200 Pounds

A large adult Burmese python can weigh well over 200 pounds. The heaviest recorded specimens have tipped the scales at more than 400 pounds, though weights in that range are exceptional even for this species.

5. Females Are Larger Than Males

Like many python species, female Burmese pythons grow significantly larger than males. Females often reach 15 to 18 feet, while males typically max out around 10 to 14 feet. This size difference is called sexual dimorphism.

6. They Have Invaded Florida

One of the most well known facts about Burmese pythons is their presence in the Florida Everglades. Released or escaped pet pythons have established a thriving wild population that is estimated to be in the tens of thousands.

7. They Are a Serious Invasive Species

The Burmese python population in Florida has had devastating effects on native wildlife. Studies have shown dramatic declines in raccoon, opossum, and rabbit populations in areas where pythons are established. They have become one of the most significant invasive species challenges in the United States.

8. They Are Excellent Swimmers

Burmese pythons are strong swimmers and can stay submerged for up to 30 minutes at a time. This ability has helped them thrive in the swampy Everglades ecosystem and allows them to cross bodies of water to expand their range.

9. They Kill Prey Through Constriction

As constrictors, Burmese pythons squeeze their prey until it can no longer breathe. Research has shown that constriction actually works by cutting off blood flow rather than suffocating the animal, which causes the prey to lose consciousness very quickly.

10. They Can Eat Alligators

In the Florida Everglades, Burmese pythons have been documented eating American alligators. Photos of pythons that attempted to eat alligators too large for them have gone viral online. Large adult pythons can successfully consume alligators several feet long.

11. They Eat a Wide Variety of Prey

In the wild, Burmese pythons eat mammals, birds, and even other reptiles. Their diet includes deer, pigs, rabbits, rats, birds, and in Florida, they have been found with the remains of endangered species in their stomachs.

12. Females Are Dedicated Mothers

Female Burmese pythons lay clutches of 12 to 36 eggs and coil around them for the entire incubation period, which lasts about 60 to 80 days. They can actually generate heat through muscle contractions to keep the eggs at the right temperature.

13. They Are Good Climbers

Despite their massive size, young and medium sized Burmese pythons are capable climbers. They can be found in trees, especially when they are younger and lighter. As they grow larger, they spend more time on the ground and in water.

14. Their Temperament Is Debated

Burmese pythons raised in captivity from a young age are generally considered docile and can be handled by experienced keepers. However, their sheer size makes them potentially dangerous. Any snake over 8 feet long should always be handled with at least two people present.

15. They Are Not Venomous

Burmese pythons have no venom at all. They rely entirely on constriction to subdue their prey. While a bite from a large Burmese python can cause lacerations due to their size and numerous teeth, it poses no risk of envenomation.

16. They Can and Do Bite

While generally calm, Burmese pythons will bite if they feel threatened or mistake a hand for food. A bite from a large Burmese python can require medical attention due to the size of the wound. Feeding response bites are the most common type.

17. Their Teeth Curve Backward

Like all pythons, Burmese pythons have rows of backward curving teeth designed to grip prey and prevent escape. These teeth act like hooks, which is why you should never pull away if bitten. Instead, push toward the snake to disengage the teeth.

18. Mothers Incubate Eggs With Body Heat

Burmese pythons are one of the few snake species that can actually raise their body temperature to incubate eggs. The mother rhythmically contracts her muscles (a behavior called shivering thermogenesis) to produce heat, keeping the eggs at a stable temperature throughout development.

19. They Can Live 20 to 25 Years

In captivity, Burmese pythons typically live 20 to 25 years with proper care. Some individuals have lived past 30 years. This long lifespan, combined with their enormous adult size, is one reason many animal welfare organizations discourage keeping them as pets.

20. They Are Ambush Predators

Burmese pythons are not active hunters. They are sit and wait predators that find a good hiding spot along an animal trail and remain motionless until prey passes close enough to strike. This hunting strategy requires patience but very little energy.

21. They Have Natural Predators

Young Burmese pythons are vulnerable to birds of prey, large lizards, and other snakes. However, once they reach full adult size, they have very few natural predators. In Florida, the only real threats to adult Burmese pythons are alligators and humans.

22. They Have Heat Sensing Pits

Burmese pythons have heat sensing pits along their upper and lower jaws that allow them to detect warm blooded prey in complete darkness. These pits can sense temperature differences as small as a fraction of a degree, making them incredibly effective nocturnal hunters.

23. They Need Warm, Humid Environments

Coming from tropical Asia, Burmese pythons require temperatures between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity. This is part of what makes the Florida Everglades such a perfect habitat for them and why they thrive there as an invasive species.

24. They Are Primarily Nocturnal

Burmese pythons are most active during the evening and nighttime hours. During the day, they typically hide in burrows, thick vegetation, or under debris. Their heat sensing abilities make nighttime hunting just as effective as daytime for them.

25. They Are Solitary Animals

Outside of the breeding season, Burmese pythons are solitary creatures that prefer to be alone. They do not form social groups or bonds with other snakes. In captivity, they should be housed individually.

26. They Are Banned in Several States

Due to the invasive species crisis in Florida, Burmese pythons are now illegal to own as pets in several states. They are listed under the Lacey Act, which prohibits interstate transport. Many states and municipalities have enacted their own bans as well.

27. Florida Holds Python Removal Programs

The state of Florida runs organized python removal programs, including the popular Florida Python Challenge, where hunters compete to remove as many Burmese pythons from the Everglades as possible. These efforts aim to control the invasive population and protect native wildlife.

28. Their Meat Contains Mercury

Studies have found elevated levels of mercury in Burmese python meat from the Everglades, likely due to bioaccumulation through the food chain. Because of this, health authorities advise against eating python meat from that region.

29. Their Skins Are Valuable

Burmese python skin is prized in the fashion industry for making exotic leather goods like handbags, boots, and belts. In Asia, python skin has been commercially harvested for decades. In Florida, skins from removed invasive pythons are sometimes sold to help fund conservation efforts.