How Much Can Pythons Eat?

Pythons can eat the equivalent of their body weight in one meal. Reticulated pythons have been known to eat pigs weighing more than 130 pounds (59 kg), and African rock pythons regularly eat warthogs, antelope, goats and even crocodiles. Pythons are also one of the few types of snakes known to kill and eat humans, although humans are not their food of choice.

More facts about pythons:

• Pythons fast for a long time between meals — usually several months. The longest recorded fast of a python lasted two years.


• After a meal, pythons become extremely lethargic and try not to move. This isn't only because they're digesting. The hard parts of a meal can actually tear through a python's skin if it moves too vigorously, so some pythons actually throw up their meals if they are forced to move after eating.


• Eating so much at one time appears to be good for pythons' hearts. The infrequent but huge meals mean that whenever the python does eat, its metabolism escalates tremendously, which makes the heart beat very fast and get stronger.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum size of prey that pythons can consume?

Pythons are known for their impressive ability to consume large prey. They can eat animals up to 75-100% of their own body weight. Large species like the reticulated python can swallow animals as big as pigs or deer. Their flexible jaws and stretchy skin allow them to handle sizable meals, which they digest over weeks.

How often do pythons need to eat?

The frequency of a python's meals depends on its size, age, and the temperature of its environment. Juvenile pythons may eat once a week, while adults can go several weeks to months without food. After consuming a large meal, a python can survive without eating for extended periods due to its slow metabolism.

Can pythons eat animals larger than themselves?

Pythons can attack and consume animals larger than themselves, but they typically target prey that is manageable to overpower and swallow. They use constriction to subdue prey, which is generally proportional to their size. However, there have been exceptional cases where pythons have attempted to eat surprisingly large animals, sometimes with fatal consequences for the snake.

What happens if a python eats too large of a prey?

If a python eats prey that is too large, it can suffer from health issues or even death. Overly ambitious meals can lead to physical damage, inability to digest properly, or vulnerability to predators during the extended digestion period. In some cases, pythons have been known to regurgitate their meal if it proves too challenging to digest.

Do pythons have any natural predators?

While pythons are formidable predators, they are not without their own threats. Juvenile pythons are vulnerable to birds of prey, crocodiles, large fish, and even other snakes. Adult pythons have fewer natural predators, but they can still fall prey to large carnivores like leopards and alligators, especially when they are slowed down during digestion.

How does the python's diet impact its growth and lifespan?

The diet of a python directly influences its growth rate and overall lifespan. A well-fed python will grow rapidly, especially during its juvenile years. However, overfeeding can lead to obesity and related health issues, potentially shortening its lifespan. Conversely, a diet that is too sparse can stunt growth and weaken the snake, also affecting its longevity.