Burmese Python

(Python bivittatus)

Seneca Park Zoo is home to two Burmese pythons, both males. Garrett and Caulkins, reside inside the Zoo’s Creatures from the River’s Edge building. They were hatched in 2016 right here at Seneca Park Zoo. Their parents were longtime zoo residents Abby and Mr. Slithers.

Animal Facts

The Burmese python is one of the largest of all snakes, growing up to 20 feet and weighing up to 200 pounds. It continues to grow throughout life.

Females are typically larger than males.

The Burmese python is not venomous; it kills its prey via constriction.

This species has a reputation for docility, but they are very powerful animals that can inflict severe bites.

Diet

The Burmese python eats appropriately sized mammals, reptiles, and birds.

Status in The Wild

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List status

The jungles and scrublands of Myanmar (Burma), Malasia and Thailand compose the Burmese python’s habitat.

It has been slaughtered to supply the world leather market, as well as for folk medicines and captured for the pet trade. In recent years, extensive captive breeding has helped reduce the threat to Burmese pythons in their native habitat. However, the unauthorized release of pet Burmese pythons into the Everglades has led to the introduction of an invasive species, disrupting the fragile ecosystem.