What Is the Lifespan of a Python Snake?

The python snake is a type of constrictor. The python uses constriction to suffocate its prey in order to swallow it whole. According to the San Diego Zoo, pythons are still "primitive" snakes due to having two lungs, trace remains of hind legs and pelvic bones. The lifespan of a python varies depending on whether the python is being held in captivity or if the python roams in its natural environment.

  1. Species

    • Pythons can live between 20 to 30 years.

      Ball pythons can live long lives, reaching nearly 30 years in captivity. It is believed that this type of snake has the longest lifespan of any snake ever held in captivity. According to Rain Forest Adventures, a ball python was recorded to having lived 49 years. Diamond pythons are chosen as pets for their docility. Diamond pythons have an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years when held in captivity. The African rock python is the largest python species found within Africa. An African ball python can live up to 30 years in captivity.

    The Wild

    • Pythons don't fare well in the wild.

      Pythons don't fare well in the wild. Though pythons are adept at being skillful hunters, pythons have many predators. In the wild, pythons can be caught by birds of prey, leopards and hunters who kill pythons for their skins. This can substantially cut a python's life expectancy in half. According to Animal Planet, a ball python would be lucky to survive 10 years in the wild.

    Captivity

    • Provide a suitable environment for your python.

      Larger pythons need more room in captivity, while ball pythons take up little room. In order for your python to have a long life expectancy, it's important to create a habitat much like its natural environment. For example, ball pythons love to burrow and enjoy humidity. Providing a ball python with a water bowl for swimming, shredded bedding material (such as fir or cypress) and using an under-tank heating pad can provide your ball python with the necessary environment to live a long and fruitful life.

    Considerations

    • Pythons who have been caught from the wild are unable to sustain a long life in comparison to pythons bred in captivity. Wild pythons are often times caught by inexperienced handlers and may be injured while being caught. Wild pythons can also harbor parasites (such as ticks) and diseases. As a result, a wild python can become stressed and succumb to illness. Wild pythons who are taken into captivity may also have a difficult time trying to adapt. A wild-caught python can become confused by its surroundings and refuse to eat. Unless you know how to sustain a wild python, the probability of a wild python surviving in captivity is slim.

    Captive Bred

    • Pythons bred in captivity are more resilient to diseases. Captive-bred pythons live longer because they've been bred within a contained environment. A captive-bred python won't be subjected to catching parasites and illnesses. According to Texas A &M University, buying a captive-bred reptile means that a breeder is ensuring that his reptile will be able to survive with a buyer before he releases a reptile into a buyer's hands.