Could a python ,anaconda ,or cobra survive in the wild in the U.S.A ? If so for how long ?

Question

Could a python ,anaconda ,or cobra survive in the wild in the U.S.A ? If so for how long ?

Answer 1

Unfortunately, exotic animals have been left in the wild and are actually surviving, if not reproducing. If they are in a place where environmental conditions are similar to those in their native habitat, they'll acclimate and eat whatever they can, especially in the case of anacondas and pythons. Most are top predators in the food web. Recently you may have heard of the python that literally exploded after attempting to swallow an alligator that was too big for it. The animal just wasn't familiarized with such prey :(

If male and female individuals are present, they will breed; thus populations of exotic animals can become established.

So the answer is yes, and the individual could survive (a span of several years) and reproduce (which is permanent, unless measures are taken).

This article

http://www.suu.edu/faculty/reed/documents/Reed2005.RiskAnalysis.pdf

is a very interesting analysis of the possible effects of exotic boas and pythons.

Answer 2

Yes they could, quite easily in the southern states because the climate is much like their native country. And for a normal lifespan probably if not longer. Those snakes have no real enemies here so our native animals wouldn't stand much of a chance with them other than a few like 'gators. In southern states, expecially in the Florida Everglades, there are pythons living because people have imported them for pets then turn them loose when they get to big and agressive. They are thriving because the smaller animals have no defense against them. Gators can but it's a tossup who will win that battle depending on the size of the snake.

Answer 3

Hi. I am not an authority where snakes are concerned but I would guess that the Southern U.S. would be an excellent breeding ground for snakes of this kind. The warmth and availability of food, especially in Alabama, Florida, Miss. and Louisiana would sustain life. Winter, when the temps. are cooler, probably would be a problem but they can dig-in in urban areas and live there. With proper food, I would suppose they could live to a ripe old age.

Answer 4

I think escaped burmese pythons cause some trouble in Florida