How to Identify the Carpet Python

It’s an interesting dilemma. You find yourself out in the wilds of Australia, or maybe at the zoo, and you’re looking directly into the eyes of a reptile. A snake. But what kind of snake is it? Some snakes are relatively harmless while others can be fatal. So is this one friend or foe? Pay attention to details to help you identify the Coastal carpet python, native to Australia and New Guinea.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A love of snakes
• Knowledge

1. Look for a triangular-shaped head; a carpet python’s head is considerably wider than its neck. Check the snake’s other end for small “spurs” (a long time ago, these animals had legs).

2. Snake aficionados say that the Coastal carpet python has a beautiful pattern. The background is often dark brown, although it may be dark green or black. The overlaying patterning may be stripes, bands or blotches of lighter brown or gray. In fact, their name comes from the fact that their markings resemble a Persian carpet.

3. Carpet pythons are somewhat arboreal -- that is, they like trees. And they are nocturnal -- they like night-time hunting and playing.

4. Although large for a snake, the carpet python is considered to be a manageable size, with an average 8 feet in length. They are relatively gentle and snake people recommend the carpet python for a pet.