I.

Introduction

Python (snake), common name for a group of nonvenomous snakes that kill by squeezing prey. Pythons mainly eat reptiles and mammals. The biggest species of pythons reach gigantic size and are capable of killing and swallowing animals as large as crocodiles, pigs, antelopes, or small deer. Pythons have rarely killed humans. Scientists have recognized at least eight genera and 32 species of pythons. The snakes are found in tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia. The name python comes from a mythical giant serpent in Greek mythology.