Pythons are some amazing snakes that can be great pets. Pythons come in a wide variety of species and types. All of them are different and can have various characteristics. But before you adopt a python, you may be wondering if pythons are something venomous.
Pythons are not venomous. They can still bite humans and can cause severe health concerns. There are 42 different species of pythons, and they all have other traits that can be harmful to humans. But none of these python species are venomous.
Pythons have mainly been found in Sahara Africa, eastern Europe, the middle east, and Australia. One invasive species has been introduced into the United States and has taken over parts of the Everglades.
If you are interested in owning a python as a pet or come across one in the wild, you need to know this vital information to keep you and your family happy and healthy. Read on to learn about pythons and what can happen to you if a python bites you.
Are All Pythons Species Non- Venomous
All 42 different species of pythons are non-venomous. They are large constrictors but not of the same family as the Boa constrictors. That said, Boas much like pythons are also non-venomous.
Pythons can range in various colors and characteristics based on where they are from and their hunting tendencies. Pythons are non-venomous, but they can cause severe problems for their owner.
If pythons are large, they can wrap around their owners and have the potential to constrict them to death. Though this is not something that happens very often. A simple defensive bite from a python is a lot more common.
Pythons do not have any venomous systems in their bodies, which means they have no means for ejecting venom into humans. This lack of poison systems stems from 100’s of years of evolution.
Do Pythons Have Fangs
Pythons do not have fangs. Fangs are only found in venomous snakes. Venomous snakes will use their fangs as hollow holes to sink venom into their victims.
Instead of fangs, Pythons have teeth. They have backward, curved-facing teeth. They are shaped to be able to grab their prey and subdue them. While they are constricting their prey they can hold on to them using these teeth. It will also help them in the swallowing of their prey by keeping them in place.
Are Python Bites Dangerous
Python bites can be dangerous. Even though a python has no venomous fangs, its bites can still be painful and harmful. When you get bitten, you will feel pressure, but don’t move suddenly. Instead, pour water or alcohol on the snake to get them released from the hand.
The bites are dangerous because of the bacteria they can have in their mouths, which can cause infections in humans. Besides infection python bites can be difficult. Pythons will latch onto a person when they bite. If you pull them off of yourself, the skin will likely come off and cause severe blood loss.
Bacteria is more likely to be present if the python’s cage, food containers, and environment are not cleaned regularly. Harmful bacteria can build up and harm your pet and yourself and cause infection.
Bites will likely be painful and will be difficult to stop the bleeding. Instead, wash your bite with disinfectant and water. This will help eliminate any bacteria and keep you safe and healthy. If you get bitten, contact your doctor, and they will let you know what you need to do.
If you were to have a severe bite, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics. Keep the bite wrapped up and covered to keep the bacteria out of the bite and for you to remain healthy.
How Do Pythons Kill Their Prey If They Don’t Use Venom
Pythons kill their prey by constriction instead of venom. They will typically latch onto their prey with their back teeth to hold them in place. While they are holding their prey they will wrap themselves around them.
After they wrap around their prey, they will squeeze their prey and squeeze the life out of them. It will constrict their airflow and cause there to be no oxygen left in their bodies. As a result, they will become asphyxiated and suffocate to death.
Pythons will eat small animals and will end up swallowing animals whole. The bite will stun the animal and keep them within the grips of the python and end up killing their prey.
What Kind Of Snakes Are Venomous
Many different snakes are venomous. But some common snakes that are venomous would include rattlesnakes, vipers, cobras, and many others.
Venomous Snakes in the United States
The United States is home to various venomous snakes that you should be aware of. Probably the most common one that comes to mind is the rattlesnake.
Rattlesnakes
Rattlesnakes are found all over the United States and South America. There are currently 32 different types of rattlesnakes. All of them will make the tell-tale rattle noise before they strike at their prey. In addition, they have fangs and will use them to employ venom in their victim.
Fangs will have hollow holes to insert the venom into their victim. They will strike in one-tenth of a second, one of the fastest reaction times in the world. Then, they will latch onto their prey and sink their teeth into them. This will paralyze them and can cause sickness for humans.
The rattlesnake’s venom will not kill a human but can cause blindness, paralysis, muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, or internal bleeding. If you get bitten, go straight to a doctor. They will be able to administer antivenom and help eliminate any of these potential side effects. As long as you contact the right people and avoid ignoring the bite, you should be fine.
For most people, rattlesnake bites happen on accident when you may step on one. Rattlesnakes can blend in with their surroundings and be camouflaged to their environment. They are typically full of color and contain ridges, but their most common identifier is their rattle. The rattle serves as a warning and a way of communication for all rattlesnakes.
Copperheads
Copperhead snakes are also native to the United States. They are the most common snake found in the United States. They tend to live in very rocky areas and places where they can blend in. Copperheads are venomous snakes, but their venom is not potent enough to harm humans.
Their fangs will have venom systems much like the rattlesnake but will give no warning before they strike. Instead, they will strike quickly and swiftly whenever they feel threatened. They are also usually camouflaged by their colors and can blend into various environments, making them difficult to spot.
When they strike, it can cause tissue damage, and the longer it gets untreated, the more severe it can be.
Copperhead snakes are different than rattlesnakes when it comes to killing prey. They will employ the venom and then allow their victim to limp away slowly and then they will hunt down their prey and kill them. Finally, they will use their hinged jaw and swallow their prey whole.
Cottonmouth Snakes or Water Moccasins
Cottonmouth snakes are one of the only snakes that can live in both water and on land. They are venomous and will bite their prey quickly and swiftly. They are called cotton-mouthed because their stark white mouths are one of the last things you see before they bite.
A cottonmouth snakes’ venom can be fatal to humans. Their venom is highly venomous. First, they are potent and will not allow blood to clot to heal the wounds. Second, a human will feel extreme pain, and the bite will immediately swell.
If you get bitten by a cottonmouth snake, go immediately to your nearest hospital. The quicker antivenom is administered, the less likely tissue surrounding the bite will begin to shred and die. However, there is also a possibility of losing the limb, where the bite is, or even internal bleeding.
Cottonmouths are brown color snakes. They tend to be hard to disseminate from their surroundings if they look closely. They will have thick and weighty bodies and heads. They can be easily mixed up with a water snake, but seek medical attention immediately if you notice swelling and pain.
Coral Snakes
Coral snakes are some of the most potent venomous snakes in the world. Coral snakes are found in forests and burrowed areas and leaves. This can make them look invisible and blend into their surroundings. In addition, they are brightly colored in a pattern that can make them look harmless at first glance.
They will lure their prey by burrowing their head in the sand and showing their tail. Their tail is raised because the tail is more capable of being destroyed than the head. This can sometimes be used as a warning to their prey, which can cause both the coral snake and the prey to run away. A coral snake will wrap around its prey and strike suddenly.
If people are bitten by a coral snake, they will not likely have any swelling. The snake may remain hooked to the person for a while because it will not carry much venom in its teeth. A coral snake’s teeth will stay out and will even hang out of their mouths. This can make it easier for coral snakes to bite their prey.
If you get bitten by a coral snake, go to the doctor. The quicker you get to the doctor, the quicker you will get the antivenom. The antivenom will help with the slurring of speech, double vision, and paralysis. However, the bite could also be excruciating and will cause cardiac arrest if not treated quickly.
Venomous Snakes Found Outside of the United States
The following snakes are found outside of the United States. They are some of the deadliest in the world and can be highly aggressive if provoked. If you get bit by any of these snakes, seek emergency medical help immediately.
Inland Taipan
An Inland taipan is one of the most dangerous snakes. When it bites its prey, it can be one of the deadliest snakes in the world. The neurotoxins are volatile and can cause paralysis, pain, and even dying tissue.
Unlike the other venomous snakes, the Inland Taipan snake is found in warm, arid environments. They are found in mostly non-inhabited places in Queensland, Australia. The color of the Inland Taipan will change based on the season and will fade during the summer.
They will use their fangs to hold their prey and wait till the venom takes hold of them. Like pythons, they will then eat them whole.
Eastern Brown Snake
Eastern Brown Snakes will hold their mouth open and lunge at their prey. They will then constrict their victims like pythons but will also inject venom.
If a human gets bit by an eastern brown snake, there is a possibility they will not put venom in you. This is because they have short teeth and will not store a lot of toxins. However, in the rare instance this happens you should of course seek emergency help.
King Cobra
King cobras are highly venomous and are one of the biggest snakes in the world. They are found in India, Southeast Asia, and China. Their natural habitat is in dense forests and by a water source. Sometimes they will even live in buildings close to their natural habitat.
King Cobra snakes are known because of their shape and use of hooded threat displayed. When they have identified their prey, they will move swiftly and capture their prey. They will then inject them with venom and then swallow them whole. If they are faced with an enemy, they will tend to run away then confront them.
King cobras are known for their venomous nature. They have some of the largest poisonous fangs that can quickly put a lot of venom in their victim. In addition, their fangs have large venom chambers that can puncture the skin of their prey very quickly and easily.
Black Mamba
One of the most deadly and fastest snakes on the planet is the Black Mamba. The black mamba is native to Africa and can be fatal to humans if they are bitten. They tend not to approach humans, but if they are threatened, they will fight back.
You need to see a doctor very soon after it happens; this can slow down the fatal effects of the venom. One drop of mamba venom is fatal to humans. The venom will slowly shut down organs and the central nervous system. This leads to cardiac arrest and occurs very quickly.
Pythons Are Not Venomous
Pythons are not venomous but they can still inflict harm to humans. There are tons of other venomous snakes that can be found in the United States as well as many other parts of the world.
These snakes can be extremely dangerous. Even if they cannot wound using venom, their bite can cause blood loss and other serious health concerns. Pythons bites are not venomous but still need to be treated so they do not get infected.