Burmese Pythons: How Can You Tell Male From Female?

Burmese pythons are large, powerful snakes that are sometimes kept as pets. Determining the sex of the python is important for owners, sellers and potential buyers. Proper care and safety is extremely important when sexing a snake. For large snakes, make sure you have other people present in case of an attack. With some know-how and hands-on exploration, you can tell whether your Burmese python is male or female.

Things You'll Need

  • Round metal probe
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Instructions

    • 1

      Examine the size of the python's tail beneath the cloaca. The vent is the opening near the end of the snake. Male Burmese pythons have thick, wide tails that quickly taper, while female pythons have longer, slowly tapering tails.

    • 2

      Check the length of the anal spurs around the vent. While both sexes have anal spurs, the males have longer, highly visible spurs that jut out from the body.

    • 3

      Restrain the snake by grasping it firmly behind the head. For larger snakes, another person should hold the snake while someone else sexes the snake. Insert the sterilized probe into the vent toward the end of the tail. If the probe slides into the vent easily and without much resistance, the python is a female. If the probe only goes into the vent slightly, it is a male. Try various diameters of probes, since narrow probes may travel inside for both sexes.

    • 4

      Ask an animal handler or veterinarian to sex the python if you cannot tell whether it is male or female.