Skip to Content

12- Year Old Girl Takes On A Python To Save Her Guinea Pig

12-year-old fights off snake. ©kipwightman on Instagram

Pythons are one of nature’s most fascinating creatures. They belong to the Pythonidae family, a group of non-venomous snakes. These reptiles are known for their incredible size, strength, and hunting abilities. Let’s dive into the intriguing world of pythons, exploring their habitats, behavior, diet, and more. We’ll also share an inspiring story of bravery featuring a young girl from Queensland.

12-Year-Old Takes On A Python

12-year old girl saves her guinea pig from python.
©kipwightmanon Instagram 

In a heartwarming display of courage, a 12-year-old girl from Queensland, Australia, saved her pet guinea pig from the grasp of a python.

The incident, captured in a video, shows the young girl calmly approaching the python as it attempts to make a meal for her pet.

She gently pried the python’s coils away with remarkable bravery, freeing her beloved guinea pig.

This act of fearlessness saved her pet and showcased the coexistence of humans and wildlife, even in their most dramatic encounters.

Where Pythons Call Home

Python head close up. © Tomáš Malík: https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-reticulated-python-1660997/

Pythons thrive in warm, tropical areas.

They are mainly found in Africa, Asia, and Australia. These snakes prefer forests, grasslands, and marshes.

They are excellent swimmers and can be found near water.

The Giants Among Us

Brown Python. © Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-python-53140/

Pythons are among the largest snakes in the world. Some species, like the reticulated python, can grow over 20 feet long!

They have a long lifespan, often living more than 20 years in the wild.

Masters of Stealth and Strength

Close up photos of a reticulated python. © Susanne Jutzeler, suju-foto: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photo-of-reticulated-python-1441454/

Pythons are known for their method of hunting. They do not use venom to kill their prey. Instead, they use constriction.

 They wrap their bodies around their prey and squeeze until the prey cannot breathe.

Pythons have a slow metabolism. This means they can survive months between meals, depending on the size of their prey.

What Pythons Eat

Close up of an anaconda. © Egor Kamelev: https://www.pexels.com/photo/closeup-photo-of-anaconda-751676/

Pythons are carnivorous.

Their diet mainly consists of mammals and birds. Larger pythons can even prey on animals as big as deer or antelope.

They have stretchy ligaments in their jaws that allow them to swallow their prey whole.

Protecting the Python

Green Snake. © Marcus Lange: https://www.pexels.com/photo/green-snake-262415/

Pythons face threats from habitat destruction and illegal hunting.

Some species are hunted for their skin or sold in the exotic pet trade.

Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these magnificent creatures and their habitats.

Conclusion

Pythons are remarkable creatures that play a vital role in our ecosystem.

They control their prey population, helping maintain a balanced environment.

The young girl’s story from Queensland is a powerful reminder of the bond between humans and animals.

It also highlights the importance of understanding and respecting wildlife.

As we learn more about these incredible snakes, we realize the importance of protecting them and their habitats for future generations to marvel at and learn from.

To Read more stories like this check out the articles below:

Latest posts by Alana Theron, BSc in Biodiversity and Ecology (see all)