Seen a big snake and not sure what it is? Burmese pythons are large constrictors often kept as pets and, in some places, become invasive. This short guide tells you how to identify them, the risks they pose, and clear actions you can take if you find one.
Burmese pythons grow very large — adults often reach 3–5 metres (10–16 ft) and females can be even bigger. Their body is thick and heavy, not thin like many harmless garden snakes. Color and pattern are key: they usually have dark brown blotches edged with black on a tan or cream background. Scales look smooth and the head is distinct from the neck with heat-sensing pits along the upper lip.
Young pythons look similar but smaller. You might also find shed skins: long, tubular sheds with the same pattern are a strong sign a python has been nearby. If you can’t safely get close, photos from a distance help experts confirm the ID.
First: don’t try to catch or kill it. These snakes are powerful and can injure people or pets. Keep a safe distance, move children and pets indoors, and note the exact location. If the animal is in a home or public area, warn others nearby.
Contact local wildlife authorities or animal control. In places like Florida the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) handles python reports and removal; elsewhere your national or local wildlife agency is the right call. If you’re in Africa, reach out to your country’s wildlife department or a licensed wildlife rescue group. Provide photos, exact location, and any movement you observe.
Legal note: owning Burmese pythons is regulated in many countries because of their size and invasive risk. Some places require permits; others ban them altogether. If you keep snakes, check rules where you live and secure enclosures to prevent escapes.
Why care? In areas where they are not native, Burmese pythons eat native mammals, birds and reptiles and can drastically change local ecosystems. Even as pets, escaped pythons can become a problem quickly.
Want to help? If you’re comfortable and trained, volunteer with local rescue or removal groups. If not, the best help is good reporting: clear photos, precise location, and staying out of harm’s way. Sharing accurate info with neighbours also helps prevent panic and keeps pets safe.
Questions about a sighting? Save the photo, note time and place, and call your local wildlife authority. That simple step often prevents a small problem from turning into a big one.
In a groundbreaking event, a Burmese python in Florida has astonished scientists by devouring a 77-pound white-tailed deer, far surpassing previous expectations of the snake's hunting capabilities. This unique footage showcases the python's remarkable adaptability as it manages to consume larger prey, bringing urgent attention to their potential threat to native wildlife. Conversations are now emerging on effective management to control this invasive species.
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