Pythons

Pythons are big, strong snakes found in Africa, Asia, and Australia. They come in many sizes and patterns. Pythons are not poisonous. Instead, they wrap around their prey and squeeze it tightly.

Super Squeezers

Pythons are a type of snake called a constrictor. They grab their food with sharp teeth, then wrap their bodies around it. They squeeze until the animal cannot breathe. Then they swallow it whole, head first.

Big Eaters

Pythons can eat very big meals. Their jaws can stretch wide to swallow animals bigger than their heads. After a big meal, a python may not eat again for weeks or even months. They rest and let their bodies slowly digest the food.

Fun Facts

• The reticulated python is the longest snake in the world.
• Pythons lay eggs and some mothers curl around them to keep them warm.
• Some pythons can grow longer than 25 feet.

Did You Know?

Burmese pythons have become a problem in Florida because people let pet ones go and they now live in the wild.