One The Country's Largest Pythons Lives At The Reptile Park

It's official: Monster is a behemoth!

This week, the Reptile Park's prized reticulated python had her first weigh in and measuring. 

She totaled 5.28 metres in length, and weigh in at 53 kilograms. So yeah, she's huge.

Reptile Park General Manager Tim Faulkner says though, it's a task just to get her on the scales. 

“Monster was in an awkward position which made it difficult for keepers to get her out," Mr Faulkner explained.

She's a slippery little lady, apparently!

Monster is expected to keep growing as she ages.

It's likely she'll reach a full 10 metres over the 30 years she's expected to live.

And that could make her the largest snake in the country!

Reticulated pythons originate in Southeast Asia. It's known to be the world's longest snake, and one of the only true man-eater breeds... Because, you know... She's big enough to EAT a MAN. Whole. No joke. 

And it wouldn't be a pleasant way to go. Reticulated pythons ambush their victims, grip them in their sharp teeth and lock their incredibly strong jaw around them.

These kinds of snakes also have razor sharp, backwards facing serrated teeth. Once these teeth have sunk in, they're not coming out too quickly. So that's lovely, isn't it?

Thankfully though, reticulated pythons don't feed all that often. One big meal, and they're good for a few weeks or even a couple months. Monster only feeds six times a year, and she seems pretty happy. But who wouldn't be living up there in glorious, picturesque Somersby? Sublime!

Monster is currently preparing for her performance season, ahead o the Reptile Park's Deadly & Dangerous event, which will be running at the Somersby attraction between 8th April - 25th April.

She'll be joined on display by the Park's many venomous snakes, spiders and crocs.

[Photos: Australian Reptile Park]