Python on the Hilton College Estate

Python burrow just discovered (September 3rd). See below for more.

This African Rock Python (about 4 metres long) was slowly moving
through short grass when we found it.
These beautiful snakes are found all over
Africa South of the Sahara, and usually live
near water.

These 2 boys from Tonbridge School were
understandably amazed - this was the first day
of their first visit to Africa!

Pythons are constrictors - they kill their prey
by squeezing it to death. They have no venom.
Female pythons stay with their eggs until they hatch.
We think the one we saw may have been returning
from the river to it's eggs.

A few pythons have been found on the Hilton Estate
in the last hundred years. We know of about 6 sightings.
They are around, just not often seen.



An exciting and very rare discovery made on 3 September was this burrow,
inhabited by 2 pythons. The one in the picture is quite small
(about 3.5 metres long). Another larger one was seen going into
the burrow, but was not photographed.

For safety, and to avoid disturbing the snakes,
please stay away from this burrow.
Don't worry, it is far away from the Henley Lapa.

It is a fantastic privilege to have these beautiful animals
on our estate. If you see one, watch from a safe distance and see
where it goes.

More on pythons