Identification of Burmese Pythons
It’s important to be able to correctly identify Burmese pythons, and learning how to do so is easy! The information below will help you learn the distinguishing characteristics of Burmese pythons, and the additional web pages give tips on how to tell Burmese pythons from other native and nonnative species. Properly identifying Burmese pythons can help target this species for removal from the Everglades ecosystem while protecting our native snakes.
Burmese pythons are large constrictors that can grow to over 20 feet in length, although those caught in Florida are generally between 6 and 10 feet long. As adults, they are larger than almost all native snakes. Typical Burmese pythons are tan in color with dark blotches along the back and sides.
Three Characteristics Help Distinguish Burmese Pythons
Dark brown blotches are irregularly shaped on a tan background
Blotches fit together like a puzzle or giraffe pattern
Dark wedges on top of head, below head, and behind the eye
