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What is a Carpet Python?

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

A carpet python may be one of several subspecies of the Morelia genus of snakes. Native to Australia and New Guinea, these mid-sized pythons are a favorite of snake lovers and pet owners. Named for their striking coloration, said to resemble Oriental carpets, the carpet python is a relatively retiring snake that can live more than 20 years.

The tropical regions of Queensland are the native home of the carpet python, though some subspecies can be found in more arid Australian regions as well as on the nearby island of New Guinea. In the wild, the snakes prefer an arboreal existence, spending their days and nights in trees and cozy tree crevices for protection and easy hunting. They prefer a diet of birds and small animals such as mice and rats, though have been known to eat small marsupials as well.

Carpet pythons are often kept as pets.
Carpet pythons are often kept as pets.

A beautiful snake, the carpet python can have a wide variety of dark spots, stripes and blotches across his yellow or tan skin. Some breeders classify these snakes by their markings, with unusual patterns typically fetching a higher price. Careful breeding can help preserve and promote desirable or even fashionable colors and patterns in a line of snakes.

The tropical regions of Queensland are the native home of the carpet python.
The tropical regions of Queensland are the native home of the carpet python.

Although only considered a medium bodied python, the carpet snake is about one foot long (30 cm) when hatched and grows to an impressive 6.5-12 feet (2-3.5 m) in length. As with most pythons, they are not venomous, but often attack by swallowing whole. A necessary part of the food chain, carpet pythons help maintain rodent populations by serving as a major predator. The snake is not always on the fiercer side of nature however, and young pythons serve as a food source to some large birds.

A carpet python may eat mice.
A carpet python may eat mice.

Many consider the carpet python to be an excellent pet, though this practice is controversial as it can reduce the number of wild pythons. Habitats for captive pythons often contain branches or trees for climbing as well as crevices for hiding and sleeping. Hailing from rainforests, the carpet python will appreciate high humidity levels and considerable warmth, though be sure to keep light sources out of reach of the snake, as his or her skin can burn easily. A secure cage is an absolute necessity, as the python is an excellent escape artist.

Pythons are not venomous, generally large, and can be found in Africa, Asia and Australia.
Pythons are not venomous, generally large, and can be found in Africa, Asia and Australia.

Unfortunately, the beautiful markings that give the carpet python its name are frequently the target of hunters and poachers. Though not considered an endangered species, environmental experts warn that persistent hunting and harvesting for the pet trade may have a serious detrimental effect on wild population numbers. Since the python plays an important role in keeping rodent and crop-eating bird populations stable, a loss of the snake can lead to increased numbers of its prey, which may in turn lead to farming and land consequences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Carpet Python and where can it be found?

Carpet Pythons are a group of python species known for their intricate, carpet-like patterns on their skin. They are native to Australia, New Guinea, and surrounding islands. These non-venomous constrictors inhabit a variety of environments, from rainforests to arid areas, showcasing their adaptability.

How large can Carpet Pythons grow?

Carpet Pythons can reach lengths of up to 13 feet, but most commonly they grow to between 6.5 to 9.8 feet. Their size can vary depending on the specific subspecies and the environment in which they live. These snakes are robust and muscular, aiding in their ability to constrict prey.

What do Carpet Pythons eat?

Carpet Pythons are carnivorous and have a diet that primarily consists of small mammals, birds, and lizards. They are ambush predators, using their camouflage to surprise prey. They constrict their catch before consuming it whole, and their metabolism allows them to go weeks between meals if necessary.

Are Carpet Pythons dangerous to humans?

Carpet Pythons are generally not considered dangerous to humans. They are non-venomous and typically shy away from human interaction. However, like any wild animal, they can become defensive if threatened or provoked, potentially leading to a bite. It's always best to admire these creatures from a safe distance.

How do Carpet Pythons reproduce?

Carpet Pythons are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs. Females can lay between 10 to 50 eggs per clutch, depending on the subspecies and individual size. The mother will incubate the eggs by coiling around them and generating heat through muscle contractions. After about two to three months, the eggs hatch into independent young snakes.

What conservation status do Carpet Pythons hold?

Most Carpet Python species are currently not considered endangered and have a conservation status of 'Least Concern' according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, habitat destruction and the pet trade can pose threats to certain populations, making conservation efforts important for their continued survival.

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a AllThingsNature writer.

Learn more...
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a AllThingsNature writer.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

mobilian33

@Laotionne - You say you don't think snakes should be pets because they are dangerous, but a dog is just as dangerous as a snake. There are way more people attacked and injured by dogs than by snakes, so should we just get rid of all pets? Cats can do a lot of damage with their claws. I have the scratches to prove this.

With a snake, like with any animal, the owner of the animal needs to be responsible. A responsible pet owner will ultimately determine how dangerous the pet is.

Laotionne

I think it is terrible that people hunt and capture the carpet pythons so they can sell them as pets. In my opinion, the snakes should be left wherever they are. I have heard too many news stories about snakes escaping from their cages and eating the family dog, the neighbor's cat or someone's child. These animals are dangerous and people shouldn't be allowed to keep them as pets. This is just a tragedy waiting to happen.

Feryll

I didn't know what they were called at the time, but I saw a carpet python feeding on a rat in my backyard when I was living in Florida. At that time, I simply knew it was a big long colorful snake. I didn't measure this particular snake, but it was at least seven feet long. I am over six feet and it was longer than I am tall and then some.

At that time, there were numerous stories about pet snakes that had escaped in the state, and they were quickly adapting to the wild. There was one story about a man who was driving his car and he saw a tree branch in the road. He stopped his car and got out to move the branch out of the road so he could drive on.

When the man grabbed what he thought was a branch it moved. The branch turned out to be a very large snake, but I don't remember what type it was.

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    • Carpet pythons are often kept as pets.
      By: NatalieJean
      Carpet pythons are often kept as pets.
    • The tropical regions of Queensland are the native home of the carpet python.
      By: Tupungato
      The tropical regions of Queensland are the native home of the carpet python.
    • A carpet python may eat mice.
      By: Anatolii
      A carpet python may eat mice.
    • Pythons are not venomous, generally large, and can be found in Africa, Asia and Australia.
      Pythons are not venomous, generally large, and can be found in Africa, Asia and Australia.