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Burmese Python

The Burmese python (Python bivittatus) is one of the five largest species of snakes in the world (about the third-largest as measured either by length

or weight). It is native to a large variation of tropic and subtropic areas

of South and Southeast Asia.

 

They are often found near water and are sometimes semi-aquatic,

but can also be found in trees. Wild individuals average 3.7 m long,

but have been known to reach 5.74 m .

 

Burmese pythons are mainly nocturnal rainforest dwellers. When young, they are equally at home on the ground and in trees, but as they gain girth, they tend to restrict most of their movements to the ground. They are also excellent swimmers, being able to stay submerged for up to half an hour. Burmese pythons spend the majority of their time hidden in the underbrush.

 

Like all snakes, the Burmese python is carnivorous. Its diet consists

primarily of appropriately sized birds and mammals. The snake uses its

sharp rearward-pointing teeth to seize its prey, then wraps its body

around the prey, at the same time contracting its muscles, killing

the prey by constriction. It is often found near human habitation due

to the presence of rats, mice, and other vermin as a food source.

 

Burmese pythons are often sold as pets Although this species has a reputation for docility, they are very powerful animals, capable of inflicting severe bites or even killing a keeper by constriction.

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Uploaded on March 5, 2017
Taken on March 4, 2017