Serpent Stars of ''Snakes on a Plane''

Photo: Corn snake
<< Previous   2 of 5   Next >>
Kitty, a 250-pound (113-kilogram) Burmese python, drapes its 17-foot-long (5.2-meter-long) body over Snakes on a Plane animal trainer Jules Sylvester.

One of the world's largest snakes, the Burmese python is native to the sun-dappled tree branches and forest floors of Southeast Asia's rain forests. A skillful swimmer and climber, the gigantic python feeds primarily on small mammals as well as birds, lizards, and other snakes.

In recent years the species has become an invasive threat in the wetlands of the Florida Everglades, where it has been known to try and swallow the occasional alligator.

 More Photos in the News
 Today's Top 15 Most Popular Stories
 Free Email Newsletter: "Focus on Photography"
Photograph courtesy Jules Sylvester
 

EMAIL NEWSLETTER Photos and News of the Week

Get the top photos and news of the week from National Geographic News, plus occasional breaking-news alerts.

See Sample >>
Please enter a valid email address
Privacy Policy
NEWS FEEDS    After installing a news reader, click on this icon to download National Geographic News's XML/RSS feed. After installing a news reader, click on this icon to download National Geographic News's XML/RSS feed.

Get our news delivered directly to your desktop—free.
How to Use XML or RSS




 

Vote for Your Favorite Green Idea!

Who do you want to see receive $20,000 to put their Earth-saving idea into action? Check out the ten Green Effect finalists, and until July 20 you can vote—up to once a day—for your favorite idea!