Burmese Python

Some Cause for Concern

Wild populations of Burmese Pythons are threatened in much of their native range. They have historically been slaughtered for the world leather market, for folk medicines, and for food (particularly in China). These pythons have also been captured for the pet trade. More recently, increased captive breeding has made the importation of wild-caught Burmese Pythons much less common.

Significant Cause for Concern

Pythons, like boas, are sometimes released into the wild by owners who discover that it is inconvenient to keep such a large animal. Burmese Pythons have become well established in southern Florida, especially in the Everglades, and they are expanding their range northward. These snakes are large enough to eat almost any species of bird or mammal in the U.S. Animals ranging in size from house wrens to white-tailed deer have been removed from the stomachs of pythons captured in Florida, and they are known to eat several endangered species. Large Pythons are also capable of killing humans, even full-grown adults.

Significant Cause for Concern

Burmese Pythons are typically purchased as pets when relatively young and small. As they grow larger, some are released into the wild by owners who can no longer care for them, Released pythons may starve, get hit by cars, or suffer other inhumane fates. Unwanted pythons are sometimes brought to zoos, veterinarians, and animal shelters, but these facilities often lack the space for long-term care.

Burmese Pythons are opportunistic feeders that will eat almost any time food is offered, even if they have recently eaten. This often leads to overfeeding, and obesity-related problems are common in captive pythons.

Significant Cause for Concern

Burmese Pythons are a distinct threat to domestic animals, pets, and even humans. A 10-foot long python can easily kill a child and a 15-foot long snake can overpower and kill a human adult. These animals have been implicated in numerous human deaths in the U.S. It is not advisable to handle a large snake alone.

Burmese Pythons can carry Salmonella. If ingested by humans, Salmonella can cause vomiting and diarrhea; these symptoms are usually mild in healthy adults but can be fatal to infants and young children, or anyone with a compromised immune system. It is important to wash hands before and after handling an animal. Salmonella can be transmitted from exotic pets to any member of a household, even those who do not handle the pet directly.