Burmese Python Identification
North America's Most Dangerous Invasive Snake — Now Found in Northeast Florida
The Burmese python (Python bivittatus) is the largest invasive snake in the United States and one of the most ecologically destructive. Originally from Southeast Asia and widely kept as a pet, escaped and released animals have established a massive breeding population in South Florida — and individual animals are increasingly found as far north as Jacksonville.
Understanding the Size Threat
18+ ft
Maximum recorded length in Florida
200+ lbs
Maximum recorded weight in Florida
100+
Prey species documented in the Everglades
99%
Decline in some Everglades mammal populations
Quick Identification Guide
Size
Typically 8 to 12 feet in Florida; females can exceed 18 feet and 200 pounds — the largest snake you are likely to encounter in the US
Base color
Tan, yellowish-brown, or light brown base with large dark brown blotches outlined in cream or gold running the length of the body
Head
Large, arrow-shaped head with a distinctive dark brown stripe running from each eye back along the jaw; head is clearly distinct from the neck
Pattern
Irregular dark brown saddle-shaped blotches on top; smaller blotches on the sides; pattern becomes more irregular toward the tail
Body shape
Extremely heavy-bodied and muscular; girth of a large adult can exceed a telephone pole; moves slowly on land
Pupils
Vertical, elliptical (cat-like) pupils; heat-sensing labial pits along the upper lip
Tail
Prehensile tail used for climbing; tail tip is blunt; no rattle
Juveniles
Hatchlings are 18 to 24 inches with the same adult pattern; grow rapidly — a one-year-old can exceed 6 feet
Behavior & Habitat
Where They Are Found
Burmese pythons are most established in South Florida's Everglades ecosystem. In Northeast Florida, sightings almost always involve escaped or released pets rather than wild-born animals spreading northward — though climate change is gradually expanding the viable range. They are found near water, in marshes, along canal banks, in dense vegetation, and occasionally in suburban areas near natural habitat.
Ambush Predators
Burmese pythons are ambush predators that use heat-sensing pits to detect warm-blooded prey. They kill by constriction — wrapping around prey and tightening with each breath until the animal suffocates. Large adults are capable of taking deer, alligators, and other large prey. They are not aggressive toward humans by nature, but large adults are physically capable of killing a person and must be treated as extremely dangerous.
Ecological Destruction
Burmese pythons have caused catastrophic declines in native wildlife throughout South Florida. Populations of raccoons, opossums, bobcats, rabbits, and wading birds have collapsed in areas with established python populations. They compete directly with native apex predators including the Florida panther and American alligator. Every python removed from the wild is a significant conservation win.
Similar Species in Northeast Florida
Several native and non-native species may be confused with a Burmese python, particularly at smaller sizes. Any very large constrictor should be treated as potentially dangerous regardless of species.
Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor)
Exotic / InvasiveAlso an invasive exotic constrictor. Smaller than a Burmese python — typically 6 to 10 feet. Tan or gray base with reddish-brown saddle markings that become more vivid toward the tail. No dark eye stripe. Both species are dangerous and should be reported to FWC.
Ball Python (Python regius)
Exotic / InvasiveMuch smaller — typically 3 to 5 feet. Dark brown or black with tan or gold blotches. Stocky and heavy-bodied for their length. Curls into a ball when threatened. Commonly encountered as escaped pets. Not dangerous to adults but should not be handled.
Eastern Ratsnake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis)
Native Florida SpeciesNative, non-venomous, and completely harmless. Adults are solid black; juveniles have a blotched pattern that could be confused with a small python. Much smaller — typically 4 to 6 feet — with a slender body, narrow head, and round pupils. No heat-sensing pits.
Florida Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus)
Native Florida SpeciesVENOMOUS native species. Dark-colored and heavy-bodied but much smaller — typically 2 to 4 feet. Broad triangular head, vertical pupils, heat-sensing pit organs, and found near water. Cannot be confused with a large python but may be encountered in the same habitat.
Danger Assessment
Burmese pythons are not venomous — they kill by constriction. Small pythons under 6 feet pose minimal danger to healthy adults. Medium-sized pythons (6 to 10 feet) can cause serious injury. Large adults (over 10 feet) are physically capable of killing a human and must be treated as extremely dangerous. Never approach, handle, or attempt to capture a large constrictor. The FWC and professional wildlife removal services have the training and equipment to handle these animals safely.
What To Do If You See One
Do not approach, touch, or attempt to capture the snake — even a medium-sized python can cause serious injury
Move away to a safe distance and keep children and pets away from the area
If safe to do so, take a photo from a distance — this helps confirm identification for FWC reporting
Note the exact location — GPS coordinates, address, or nearby landmarks
Call the FWC Exotic Species Hotline at 1-888-IVE-GOT1 to report the sighting
Call Jacksonville Snake Removal at (904) 512-1281 for immediate professional removal and reporting assistance
Professional Exotic Snake Removal — Northeast Florida
We safely remove and handle all exotic and invasive reptiles including large constrictors. We assist with FWC reporting and documentation. Available 24/7 throughout Jacksonville, St. John's County, and St. Augustine.
Call (904) 512-1281How to Report a Python Sighting
Call FWC Hotline
1-888-IVE-GOT1 (1-888-483-4681) — the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission exotic species hotline, available 24/7
Report Online
IveGot1.org — submit a report with photos and GPS coordinates. Photos from a safe distance are extremely helpful for confirmation
EDDMapS App
Free mobile app for reporting invasive species with automatic GPS tagging — available for iOS and Android
Call Us
Jacksonville Snake Removal at (904) 512-1281 — we assist with identification, safe removal, and FWC reporting coordination