Welcome to Mill Mountain Zoo
Roanoke, Virginia
MEET HOOVER AND DAMIEN, OUR BURMESE PYTHONS!
Scientific Name: Python bivittatus
Check out this video of a Burmese Python.
Diet:
Carnivore. Eats small mammals and birds.
Fun Fact:
This snake is an excellent swimmer, and can remain underwater for up to 30 minutes without coming up for air.
Compare me to...
The Black Rat Snake (Elaphe obsoleta) is the largest snake native to Virginia. Like the Burmese Python, it's a powerful constrictor, and mainly eats small birds and mammals.
STATUS: VULNERABLE
How can I help?
-Think carefully before choosing a Burmese Python as a pet. The illegal pet trade is problematic both for native population in Asia and invasive populations in the U.S.
-Be sure the lumber for your home and furniture is coming from an ethically harvested source. Habitat destruction is a major problem for this vulnerable species.
FAQ's:
1. Can these snakes dislocate their jaw?
Snakes can't actually dislocate their jaws. Instead, species like the Burmese Python have a highly elastic ligament which allows to open their jaws wide enough to swallow large prey.
