The Burmese python (Python bivittatus) is one of the five largest species of snakes in the world (approximately the third largest as measured either by length or weight). It is native to a large variation of tropic and subtropic areas of Southern- and Southeast Asia.
Until 2009 they were considered a subspecies of Python molurus, but now are recognized as belonging to a distinct species.
They are often found near water and are sometimes semi-aquatic, but can also be found in trees. Wild individuals average 3.7 metres (12 ft) long, but have been known to reach 5.74 metres (19 ft).