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Burmese python

Python bivittatus · Snakes · Reptiles

Burmese python (Python bivittatus): Large reddish-brown blotches outlined in cream or gold over a pale tan, yellowish-brown or grey base. Arrow-shaped marking on top of the head pointing toward the nose. This profile does not establish whether taking it is legal anywhere.

Check rules for a place and dateOpen the burmese python map

Certified rules currently represented in Hunt: coverage in development. This is coverage, not a legal answer.

Burmese python — verified North Ground species photograph
Adobe Stock · Standard License (asset 576003031)
Scientific name
Python bivittatus
Family
Pythonidae
In North America
Introduced
Range
Native to northeastern India east through southern China and Southeast Asia and the Malay Peninsula. Established in the Florida Everglades (first nest found in 2006). Not native to Canada.
Biology

How to identify it

Large reddish-brown blotches outlined in cream or gold over a pale tan, yellowish-brown or grey base. [1][2]

Arrow-shaped marking on top of the head pointing toward the nose. [1][2]

Heavy-bodied; can exceed 5 m, females larger than males. [1][2]

Every life stage larger than any native snake in its Florida range. [1][2]

Compared with the northern african python: Less vivid back pattern and black-and-white belly scales; Burmese python belly scales are white. [1][2]

Field notes

  • Identification Confirm a burmese python before you act. Compared with the northern african python: Less vivid back pattern and black-and-white belly scales; Burmese python belly scales are white.[1][2]
Field knowledge

Where it lives

Grasslands, swamps, marshes, rocky foothills, open woodland and river valleys. [1][2]

Field knowledge

How it behaves

Excellent swimmers, often partly or fully submerged; tied to permanent fresh water [1][2]

Generalist ambush predator of mammals, birds and reptiles [1][2]

Everglades mating season is December-April, eggs laid May-June; breeding aggregations of several males with one female [1][2]

Regulatory handoff

Where it is listed for removal or nuisance take

These authorities list this species as nuisance, invasive or unprotected wildlife that may be taken. This is not a game season.

Where legal take is listed

Being listed is not an open season. Seasons, zones, licences, methods and limits decide whether this animal may be taken on a given day and place — check Hunt or the authority before you go. Listings read 2026-09-30.

Geospatial intelligence

Where it is found

Native to northeastern India east through southern China and Southeast Asia and the Malay Peninsula. Established in the Florida Everglades (first nest found in 2006). Not native to Canada.

Biology

Sources

Every claim above is attributed to one of these published sources.

  1. USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species · reviewed 2026-09-30

    USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species

  2. NatureServe · reviewed 2026-09-30

    NatureServe