Quick Answer
Most species of pythons are nonvenomous constrictors that kill prey by squeezing them. However, there are a few species of pythons that are venomous and capable of inflicting a dangerous bite. The reticulated python, African rock python, Indian python, and green tree python all lack venom. But the boomslang, twig snake, and orbiculated calabar python are all rear-fanged venomous pythons. Their venom can cause nausea, vomiting, headache, and even death in extreme cases. So while most pythons are not poisonous, there are a few exceptions.
Overview of Pythons
Pythons are nonvenomous constrictor snakes found in Africa, Asia, Australia and the Americas. There are over 40 species of pythons, most of which kill prey by constriction. Their scientific name is Pythonidae. Here are some key facts about pythons:
- Pythons range from 1-10 meters long depending on species
- Most species are terrestrial, but some are arboreal or semi-aquatic
- They are ambush predators that wait motionless for passing prey
- Pythons are not poisonous – they constrict prey to death
- Some of the largest snake species in the world are pythons
- Popular pet species include ball pythons and Burmese pythons
The majority of python species are nonvenomous constrictors that suffocate their prey. They have muscular bodies, loose jaw joints, and sharp, backward-curving teeth for grasping prey. Pythons are primarily ambush hunters that remain still and strike swiftly when prey approaches within range. However, a few python species have venomous bites.
Venomous Pythons
While most pythons kill through constriction, there are 3 species that are venomous:
Boomslang
The boomslang is a large, arboreal python native to sub-Saharan Africa. It’s one of the most dangerous snakes on the continent. Here are some key facts about the boomslang:
- Grows up to 6 feet long
- Light green color with large eyes
- Rear-fanged with potent hemotoxic venom
- Venom causes hemorrhaging, nausea, headache and potential death
- Found in trees and shrubs throughout savanna and woodlands
- Feeds on chameleons, frogs, birds and small mammals
The boomslang has enlarged rear fangs that produce hemotoxic venom that impairs blood clotting. This can lead to extensive internal and external bleeding in bite victims. While antivenom is available, bites can be rapidly fatal if not treated promptly.
Twig Snake
The twig snake is a small, slim python found in parts of Africa and Asia. Here’s an overview:
- Grows 1-2 feet long
- Brown or grey color with white belly
- Blends into twigs and branches for camouflage
- Mildly venomous with rear fangs
- Found in forests and woodlands
- Feeds on lizards, frogs, small mammals
- Venom causes local pain and swelling
The twig snake is a mildly venomous rear-fanged species. Its venom can cause moderate pain and swelling but is not considered deadly. It is a timid snake that uses camouflage for defense.
Orbiculated Calabar Python
The orbiculated calabar python is an aquatic python native to West Africa. Here are some characteristics:
- Grows 4-5 feet long
- Dark brown complexion with banded pattern
- Found in swamps and slow moving rivers
- Rear-fanged with neurotoxic venom
- Venom causes pain, swelling and possible respiratory failure
- Feeds on fish, frogs and small mammals
This python has venom similar to a cobra’s that affects the nervous system. Bites require prompt medical care but are rarely fatal to humans.
Nonvenomous Python Species
While a few pythons have toxic venom, most species rely on constriction to subdue prey. Here are some of the most common nonvenomous species:
Reticulated Python
- Longest snake in the world – up to 33 feet
- Native to Southeast Asia
- Dark complexion with tile-like pattern
- Primarily terrestrial but climbs trees and swims
- Feeds on mammals and birds
- Constricts prey to death
- Not venomous but bite can cause injury
As the world’s longest snake, the reticulated python can swallow large prey whole after constricting it. Despite their large size, they are timid and avoid humans.
African Rock Python
- Large heavy-bodied snake up to 20 feet
- Native to sub-Saharan Africa
- Tan, brown or olive complexion with arrow markings
- Lives in a variety of habitats from forests to deserts
- Ambushes mammals, antelope, monkeys
- Constricts prey to suffocation
- Not venomous but has sharp teeth and strong bite
The African rock python is a large, terrestrial predator capable of bringing down big prey like antelope and monkeys. It is aggressive when threatened but not venomous.
Indian Python
- Grows up to 10 feet long
- Native to India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka
- Tan or brown with dark oval blotches
- Found in forests, scrublands, swamps
- Ambushes rodents, birds, monkeys, civets
- Constricts prey to death
- Not venomous
The Indian python is a heavy-bodied constrictor that inhabits a variety of tropical habitats on the Indian subcontinent. It is not considered dangerous to humans.
Green Tree Python
- Grows 4-6 feet long
- Native to Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia
- Bright green color with blue scales on belly
- Arboreal – lives in trees and shrubs
- Ambushes birds and rodents
- Constricts prey
- Not venomous
The green tree python is a slender, arboreal species that uses camouflage to hide among foliage. It is harmless to humans despite its bright coloration.
Are Pythons Poisonous or Venomous?
Pythons are not poisonous – they do not cause harm or illness from being touched or consumed. However, a few python species are venomous and capable of injecting toxins when they bite.
Here is the difference between venomous and poisonous snakes:
- Venomous snakes – Have modified salivary glands that produce toxic venom injected via fangs or teeth. This includes snakes like cobras, coral snakes, and rattlesnakes.
- Poisonous snakes – Do not produce venom, but may secrete or absorb toxins from prey they eat. For example, the Japanese grass snake feeds on poisonous toads and can become poisonous itself for a period.
So while terms like poisonous and venomous are sometimes used interchangeably, venomous is more accurate for snakes that can inject toxins directly into prey. Only a handful of pythons have venomous bites – most kill solely by constriction.
Effects of Python Venom
For the few venomous python species, bites can produce severe reactions:
- Boomslang – Hemotoxic venom disrupts blood clotting and causes external and internal bleeding. Rapidly fatal if untreated.
- Twig snake – Mild swelling and pain around bite area. Not medically significant.
- Orbiculated calabar – Neurotoxic venom affects nervous system. Can cause respiratory failure if severe.
Python venoms contain either hemotoxins that affect blood and tissues or neurotoxins that impact the nervous system. Even when not fatal, symptoms like pain, bruising, nausea, and headaches can result. Medical treatment with antivenom can prevent serious effects.
Python Bite Treatment
Here are some first aid tips if bitten by a python:
- Remain calm and still to slow venom absorption
- Wash bite area with soap and water if possible
- Remove any tight clothing or jewelry near bite
- Immobilize bitten limb and keep it lower than heart
- Get medical help as soon as possible
- If possible, take note of snake’s appearance to assist treatment
- Do not cut into bite or try to suck out venom
- Monitor breathing and signs of shock until help arrives
The most important steps are keeping the bite below heart level to slow circulation of venom, immobilizing the affected area, and getting antivenom treatment as soon as possible. Staying calm also helps minimize absorption of venom.
Preventing Python Bites
Here are some ways to avoid being bitten when around pythons:
- Leave snakes alone if encountered in the wild
- Do not handle or provoke wild pythons
- Wear protective clothing like boots and thick pants if hiking in python habitat
- Supervise children and pets around any snakes
- Keep captive pythons securely housed if keeping as pets
- Use snake hooks and other tools to manage captive snakes
- Research snake species in an area before hiking or camping
Python bites mainly happen when people improperly handle captive snakes or intentionally interact with them in the wild. Leaving them undisturbed and taking precautions greatly reduces risk.
Key Facts About Python Venom and Toxicity
- Only 3 species of pythons have venomous bites
- Most species kill prey via constriction, not venom
- Python venom can be either hemotoxic or neurotoxic
- Bites may cause pain, swelling, nausea, headache and other symptoms
- Prompt medical treatment is vital for serious python bites
- There is no such thing as a poisonous snake – only venomous
- Nonvenomous pythons can still inflict nasty bites due to size and sharp teeth
So while all pythons are constrictors, a handful have venom that enhances their ability to immobilize prey. However, venom potency varies between species. Avoiding contact is the best way to prevent envenomation.
Comparison of Venomous and Nonvenomous Python Species
Species | Venom Type | Venom Potency | Other Risks |
---|---|---|---|
Reticulated Python | Nonvenomous | None | Bite risk due to size |
Indian Python | Nonvenomous | None | Moderate bite risk |
Green Tree Python | Nonvenomous | None | Minimal risk |
Boomslang | Hemotoxic | Very High | Potentially fatal bite |
Twig Snake | Very Mild Venom | Minimal | Low risk of serious effects |
Orbiculated Calabar | Neurotoxic | Moderate | Rarely fatal, treatment needed |
This comparison shows that while a few pythons have medically significant venom, most do not. However, large nonvenomous species can still deliver a dangerous bite.
Conclusion
Only 3 species of pythons have venom capable of causing human injury or death – the boomslang, twig snake, and orbiculated calabar python. Other pythons kill prey through constriction alone. While not poisonous, these snakes can still bite defensively if threatened. By leaving wild pythons undisturbed and using safe handling practices for captives, envenomation risk is greatly reduced. Prompt medical treatment is vital for the dangerous bites of venomous python species. Through education and caution, humans can coexist safely with these amazing reptiles.