A Diamond Python in a defensive posture with its tongue flickering falls onto a patio table© Ken Griffiths/Shutterstock.comWatch the VideoView the video on YouTubeImagine enjoying the outdoors in your backyard with your family when a massive snake unexpectedly lands on your patio table. If you reside in an area inhabited by the diamond python, this scenario could become a reality. A video shared by the YouTube channel @KayliehollinsOfficial captures the moment when one of these impressive snakes descends from a rooftop, maneuvers down a tree, and lands on a patio table. As the snake drops, children shriek, and adults react with amusement. Fortunately, these snakes are not venomous; however, is it safe to be in such close proximity to one? Let’s delve into this further.
Diamond pythons are skilled climbers and can often be seen sunbathing in trees or on rooftops.©Ken Griffiths/Shutterstock.comThe Snake in the Video: What Species Is It?
The snake featured in the video is a diamond python (Morelia spilota spilota). Diamond pythons belong to the carpet python subspecies. They typically grow to lengths between 6 to 10 feet and can weigh up to 34 pounds.
These snakes exhibit hues ranging from olive to black, adorned with a striking pattern of cream or yellow diamond-shaped markings along their bodies. Diamond pythons are popular as pets due to their attractive appearance and gentle demeanor. Being arboreal creatures, they excel at scaling trees.
While nonvenomous like all pythons, they rely on constriction to subdue their prey. Their diet includes rodents, lizards, possums, birds, and bats. Once the snake has coiled around its prey, it consumes the meal whole, beginning with the head.
Where Can Diamond Pythons Be Found?
Diamond pythons are native to Australia and are commonly spotted in the coastal regions of New South Wales. They primarily inhabit forested areas with dense vegetation. However, sightings in suburban areas of Sydney are not uncommon. Given their adept climbing skills, these snakes may venture into residential spaces and take up residence in attics or roof rafters, particularly in neighborhoods close to bushland. They may seek shelter in hollow logs or dense shrubbery within suburban backyards.
Maternal Behavior of Diamond Pythons
Diamond pythons exhibit nurturing behavior towards their offspring, safeguarding the eggs until they hatch. Following the laying of approximately 10 to 30 eggs, the mother snake protects them from predators, coiling around the eggs to maintain warmth and aid in incubation. Contrary to earlier beliefs, snakes, including rattlesnakes, display parental care for a brief period after hatching. However, diamond pythons solely care for their offspring when they are in egg form. Once the hatchlings emerge, akin to many snake species, they
If a snake feels trapped or threatened, it may bite in self-defense.
Encountering a Diamond Python:
Diamond pythons are most active in November when seeking mates and laying eggs. This is when you are likely to encounter one in the wild or witness a falling snake, as shown in the video. Experts suggest leaving a diamond python undisturbed as they pose no harm to humans and help control rodent and possum populations. If you had a rodent issue, it won’t last long with a diamond python around.
If you cannot coexist with a snake in your home, contact a professional snake catcher for removal. Diamond pythons can bite when threatened, and their fangs may break off and become embedded in your skin. Given the presence of venomous snakes in Australia, it’s best to handle these situations cautiously.
Ensuring Pet Safety from Pythons:
While pythons generally do not prey on humans, they may pose a threat to small pets like rabbits, chickens, and guinea pigs. Keep pets in enclosures without any openings that snakes could enter through.
To view the video referenced in the post, click the provided link.
(Source: A-Z Animals)
