The Burmese python is one of the largest snakes in the world. They are native to Southern and Southeast Asia, where they inhabit wet areas such as marshes, swamps, woodlands, and open jungle. The python is an excellent swimmer, and is able to remain submerged for up to 30 minutes.

Due to its popularity in the pet trade, a number of wild Burmese Pythons are now found in the Florida Everglades, where they pose a threat to native wildlife such as opossums, raccoons, rabbits, white-tailed deer, and compete with native predators. Unfortunutely, within the python's native range in Southast Asia, it is vulnerable to extinction due mostly to habitat loss.

The National Zoo & Aquarium is home to 2 Burmese Pythons: Bernise and Bernie.