Pet reticulated pythons are among the most popular pets on the planet for a great number of exotic snake collectors. Unfortunately, there are a huge number of people that have no clue what they are actually getting when they buy that cute and cuddly three or four foot python. What starts as a small, cute little snake can quickly become a huge snake that is a potential danger. Here are some things you should know about that cute little snake before you take on a pet reticulated python.
The Reticulated Python Can Grow to the Length of A School Bus
Reticulated pythons are known as the longest snake in the world and run a close second in weight to the anaconda. It is not uncommon for a reticulated python to grow to 15 feet, and the record is over 33 feet. Not only does this make the reticulated python a threat to you and others, but it also means you had better have a huge pet enclosure available. Not many people have the space to properly care for a full grown reticulated python safely.
The Reticulated Python has the Ability to Kill Humans
Reticulated pythons are known throughout the world as being somewhat aggressive. Some reticulated python pet owners swear that their pets are completely harmless and some generally are. The problem is that a reticulated python, like any wild animal, can change their mind at any given time. When they do, the results can be deadly. Reticulated pythons can easily kill smaller human beings such as children or the elderly, and are even capable of killing a full grown man if the circumstances dictate. If you are wrapped up by a large reticulated python and nobody is nearby to help, you are in serious trouble. They are constrictors, so they wrap you up and tighten their grip as you exhale. Eventually, you have no breathe left. While some say the reticulated python can eat human beings, there is very limited information of this happening to full grown, healthy humans.
The Reticulated Python has a Serious Bite
While the reticulated python is not venomous in any way, they are still equipped with a serious set of teeth. A bite from one of these huge constrictors can be one of the most painful bites in the snake world. Because they use their teeth to grab prey so that they can coil around it, the teeth aim backwards towards their throat. This makes pulling their bite away nearly impossible and painful at best. While the bite is painful, getting wrapped up could be deadly. Either way, they need no venom to be dangerous.
Large Reticulated Pythons Eat Your Childhood Friends
Many people do not understand that a large reticulated python will outgrow eating large rats and need larger prey. One of the most common prey items to follow the large rats is bunny rabbits. If you own a reticulated python and do not have unlimited funds, you need to be prepared to feed them bunnies. Not many people can stomach this, and end up trying to find a new home. By this point, that is no easy feat.
Reticulated Pythons Can Not Be Safely Released in the Wilds in America
Many people in the US buy a reticulated python, and then later realize they can not care for it any longer. After a few frustrated phone calls, they end up releasing these huge snakes into the wild. This can be a huge problem both for the snake and the surrounding neighborhood. Pets, children and even adults are all at risk when this big snake is turned loose in an area without an ecosystem to support it. Never release a reticulated python like this, as it is also against the law.
