Python Reticulatus - Captivity

Captivity

Increased popularity in the pet trade is due largely to increased efforts in captive breeding and selectively bred mutations such as the "albino" and "tiger" strains. They can make good captives, but keepers should have previous experience with such large constrictors to ensure safety to both animal and keeper. Although their interactivity and beauty draws much attention, some feel they are unpredictable. They do not attack humans by nature, but will bite and possibly constrict if they feel threatened, or mistake a hand for food. While not venomous, large pythons can inflict serious injuries, sometimes requiring stitches.

The huge size and attractive pattern of these snakes has made them favorite zoo exhibits, with several individuals claimed to be above 20 ft (6.1 m) in length and more than one claimed to be the largest in captivity. However, due to their huge size, immense strength, aggressive disposition, and the mobility of the skin relative to the body, it is very difficult to get exact length measurements on a living reticulated python, and weights are rarely indicative, as captive pythons are often obese. Claims made by zoos and animal parks are sometimes exaggerated, such as the claimed 15 m (49 ft) snake in Indonesia which was subsequently proven to be less than 23 feet (7.0 m) long. For this reason, scientists do not accept the validity of length measurements unless performed on a dead or anaesthetised snake which is later preserved in a museum collection. There are now "super dwarf" reticulated pythons from some islands north west of Australia where the adults rarely get more than 15 feet (4.6 m) long, and are being bred to be much smaller. Males can be at most 5 feet (1.5 m) long, females a little longer.