It has heat sensing pits in its upper and lower jaws for detecting warm-blooded prey. It is a heavy-bodied python and may weigh over 250 pounds. They may occupy animal burrows or enter the water to escape the heat of the day. This python is killed for its hide, which is made into handbags and shoes, as well as for its meat. When small, predators include monitor lizards, crocodiles, birds of prey, cats and pigs.
Large adults have few, if any, predators other than man.