Reticulated python
Deserts

Pythons

About

Pythons are a large group of snakes that, like boas, are constrictors. They wrap their body around their prey—a small animal—and tighten their muscles, which suffocates the prey so it can be swallowed whole. Most pythons live in trees or on land and have heat-sensing pits on their head that are used to find prey. To reproduce, female pythons usually lay eggs. Mom may even wrap her body around the clutch of eggs to incubate them. Some pythons are quite large: the Burmese python can grow up to 25 feet in length! These snakes have been introduced in Florida and are invasive in sensitive habitats such as the Everglades, which can harm local wildlife.

size icon
Size
Up to 25 feet long, depending on the species
region icon
Live in
Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Australia
carnivore icon
Food
Small animals
Conservation Status IUCN Icon
IUCN Red List Status
Varies depending on the species
Reticulated python close-up

Conservation

Many snakes are threatened with extinction because they were overhunted by people or from habitat loss. Snakes play important roles in ecosystems by keeping rodent populations under control. Be aware of snakes in your local area and give them their space in the wild. Always do your research before adopting a snake as a pet to be sure you can meet its needs for the entirety of its life.

WHERE ARE THEY AT THE ZOO?

cropped zoo map showing chimpanzee location