Pythons are large, non-native constricting snakes primarily adapted to tropical environments. They are not established as a reproducing, wild population in North Carolina. While these reptiles are not currently part of the state’s natural ecosystem, isolated individuals are occasionally found by the public. These sightings represent escaped or illegally released exotic pets, not evidence of a colonization effort.
The Status of Python Populations in North Carolina
North Carolina wildlife officials classify all pythons found in the state as non-native, isolated sightings rather than members of an established population. An established population requires evidence of breeding and successful survival of offspring over multiple generations, which has not been documented. The situation differs significantly from South Florida, where the Burmese Python has successfully colonized the Everglades and is now an invasive species.
Isolated reports do occur and typically involve species such as the Burmese Python or various Ball Pythons, which are popular in the pet trade. For example, reports have included finding a nine-foot Burmese Python tangled in a car’s engine compartment in the Piedmont region. Other incidents have involved the seizure of pythons found roaming in coastal subdivisions, indicating a direct link to the exotic pet trade.
These individual snakes, usually escaped pets, are found during warmer months, which temporarily allows them to survive outside. Their discovery prompts a response from local animal control, who treat them as lost or abandoned domestic animals. None of these isolated individuals or small groups have demonstrated the ability to reproduce and survive the state’s seasonal changes.
Why Climate Prevents Establishment
The state’s climate, particularly the severity of its winter season, is the primary barrier preventing the establishment of large tropical constrictors in North Carolina. Pythons, adapted to the consistently warm temperatures of tropical and subtropical regions, cannot tolerate prolonged periods of cold weather. North Carolina’s seasonal temperature fluctuations create a natural “freeze line” that limits the northward expansion of these species.
Even with access to underground refuges, such as burrows or deep crevices, the prolonged cold of a typical North Carolina winter is lethal for most large pythons. Research conducted on python survival in the Upper Coastal Plain of South Carolina showed that soil temperatures dip low enough to cause fatal body temperatures for the reptiles. Ectotherms like pythons rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature and metabolism.
When temperatures drop below a certain threshold for an extended time, their physiological processes shut down, leading to death. The state’s occasional deep freezes and extended periods of cold weather, especially in the mountains and Piedmont, ensure that any pythons that escape or are released are unlikely to survive their first winter.
Native Snakes Commonly Mistaken for Pythons
Many reported python sightings in North Carolina turn out to be misidentifications of the state’s largest native constrictors. The Eastern Rat Snake is one of the most frequently confused species, as adults can grow to lengths exceeding six feet. These snakes are often dark in coloration, sometimes appearing almost entirely black, which contributes to the perception of a large, foreign snake.
Another large non-venomous native snake is the Northern Pine Snake, which may reach lengths of seven and a half feet. This species often features a background of white, tan, or gray with large, dark blotches, leading the public to mistake its robust size and pattern for a python. Unlike pythons, which have a characteristic triangular or arrow-shaped head, these native constrictors have narrower heads that are proportionate to their bodies.
The Eastern Rat Snake is also highly arboreal, meaning it is often found climbing trees, utility poles, or rafters. This behavior can make its size seem even more alarming. Learning to recognize the native species by their slender, non-venomous appearance and the absence of the python’s distinctive heat-sensing pits can help reduce false reports.
Reporting Procedures for Non-Native Constrictors
If a large snake clearly identified as a non-native constrictor, such as a Burmese Python, is encountered, the public should prioritize safety and immediately contact the appropriate authorities. North Carolina law regulates the ownership of “large constricting snakes” and requires owners to notify local law enforcement promptly if one escapes. Therefore, the first point of contact should be the local police department or county animal control office.
These local agencies are equipped to handle immediate response and capture of non-native species. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) Wildlife Helpline is also available for general inquiries and guidance. It is prohibited to intentionally release a large constricting snake into the wild in North Carolina, a violation classified as a Class A1 misdemeanor. The public should never attempt to capture or handle a large, unfamiliar snake themselves.