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Nature

Burmese Python

What is burmese python?

· James MacDonald

Key facts

Scientific name Python bivittatus[1]
Native range Southern and Southeast Asia[4]
Adult size 3–5 m (10–16 ft)[4]
Body mass Up to 90.7 kg (200 lb)[2]
Lifespan in the wild 20–25 years[1]
Conservation status Vulnerable[3]

The Burmese python is a large, nonvenomous constrictor snake native to southern and Southeast Asia, known scientifically as *Python bivittatus*. It is among the largest snakes in the world, with adults reaching 3–5 meters (10–16 feet) and weighing up to 90.7 kg (200 lb).

Context

The Burmese python (*Python bivittatus*) is a large, nonvenomous constrictor snake native to southern and Southeast Asia [4]. It inhabits mangrove forests, rainforests, swamps, grasslands, rivers, and rocky areas [4]. Adults typically reach 3–5 meters (10–16 feet) and can weigh up to 90.7 kg (200 lb) [2]. In the wild, they live 20–25 years [1]. They are carnivorous, feeding mainly on small mammals and birds [1]. The species is listed as Vulnerable [3]. In Florida, it has been established as a non-native species since the 1980s [2]. It is sometimes confused with the Indian python (*Python molurus*), but most authorities now recognize it as a distinct species [5]. The Burmese python is one of the largest snakes, comparable to the reticulated python, another giant constrictor [4]. As a member of the python family, it shares traits like heat-sensing pits and constriction hunting [5].

Documented claims

  • The Burmese python is a nonvenomous constrictor snake. [5]
  • It is established in Florida as a non-native species since the 1980s. [2]
  • It primarily feeds on small mammals and birds. [1]

Related

Ball PythonBall python ar en annan populär pythonart som lasare kan vara intresserade av.

Questions and answers

Are Burmese pythons friendly to humans?

Burmese pythons are generally not aggressive toward humans, but they are wild animals and can bite if threatened. They are constrictors, not venomous, so a bite is not toxic but can cause injury [5].

What happens if you get bit by a Burmese python?

A bite from a Burmese python can cause puncture wounds and potential infection, but it is not venomous. The main danger is if the snake constricts, which can be life-threatening, but such incidents are rare [5].

How many people are killed by Burmese pythons?

Fatal attacks on humans by Burmese pythons are extremely rare. There are no reliable statistics on deaths, but documented cases are very few, and the species is not considered a significant threat to human life [5].

Sources

  1. Burmese python — nationalzoo.si.edu (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. Burmese Python (Python bivittatus) - Species Profile - USGS NAS — nas.er.usgs.gov (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. Burmese Python - Florida Museum of Natural History — floridamuseum.ufl.edu (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  4. Burmese Python — kids.nationalgeographic.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  5. 7 Burmese Python Facts - Fact Animal — factanimal.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Nature