Pythons are not native to Louisiana, but their presence is an increasing point of concern across the Gulf South. While Louisiana has not confirmed a self-sustaining, reproducing population like the one in Florida’s Everglades, isolated sightings of individual pythons do occur. These instances, often attributed to the release of unwanted pets, raise questions about the long-term vulnerability of the state’s sensitive wetland ecosystems to invasive species. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) monitors these sightings closely, recognizing the potential impact these predators could have on native wildlife.
Confirmed Presence and Population Status
The pythons found in Louisiana are primarily large constrictors, with the Burmese Python being the most frequently identified species. Their occasional discovery is generally a result of the exotic pet trade. Sightings have been documented in various locations, often near urban centers or in the water bodies of South Louisiana.
For example, a 12-foot python was captured in Houma after it emerged from a bayou and entered a backyard. Other large pythons have been sighted near major thoroughfares and waterways. These animals are typically solitary individuals that were either escaped or intentionally released by their owners.
Louisiana currently lacks an established, breeding population of pythons in the wild. An established population means the snakes are successfully reproducing and their numbers are growing independently. The isolated nature of the sightings suggests they are not yet part of a stable, invasive population, but their consistent occurrence indicates a continuous threat of introduction.
Habitat Suitability and Risk Factors
Louisiana’s expansive southern coastal wetlands and bayous share many environmental characteristics with the Florida Everglades, which is heavily infested with Burmese Pythons. This similarity is the primary reason the state is considered at high risk for a future python invasion. The warm, humid climate and extensive, interconnected water network provide an ideal habitat for large, aquatic-dwelling snakes.
The greatest environmental risk factor is the abundance of prey in the Louisiana swamps, including birds, rodents, and even alligators, which could sustain a python population. While cold snaps occur, the state’s generally mild winters are not severe enough to prevent the long-term survival of pythons, particularly in the sheltered microclimates of the bayou country. The primary pathway for introduction remains the irresponsible release of large pythons that have outgrown their owners’ ability to care for them.
State Monitoring and Public Reporting Guidelines
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) manages and protects the state’s natural resources, including addressing the threat of invasive non-native reptiles. The LDWF prohibits the unpermitted private possession of constricting snakes exceeding eight feet in length. This proactive measure aims to reduce the risk of large, potentially breeding-sized pythons entering the state’s environment via the pet trade.
Residents who encounter a snake they suspect is a non-native python should prioritize safety and immediately contact authorities. Do not approach, handle, or attempt to capture the snake, as these animals can be dangerous. The recommended protocol is to take a photograph from a safe distance, if possible, to aid in identification and then report the sighting immediately.
The LDWF operates a dedicated reporting system for suspicious sightings. The public can report the presence of a non-native python:
- By calling the 24-hour Operation Game Thief toll-free line at 800-442-2511.
- By submitting tips anonymously through the LADWF text service.
- By using the LADWF app service.
- Photo submissions are also allowed to assist law enforcement agents in their investigation.