Even though Burms and retics are considered Giant Snakes, their behaviors are in some ways similar and in other ways very different. You must use the same precautions in terms of using tongs when feeding, having an extra person around when handling, keeping cages fairly simple, same temp/humidity requirements, etc. Where I see the biggest difference is in natural behaviors. When out of a cage, burms are relatively slow moving, deliberate animals. Retics, however, are always on the go. Spend 15 minutes trying to control a large retic and you will feel like you just completed an aerobics class. Retics are probably a tad less trustworthy (or perhaps consistent is a better word) in terms of handling and interaction with their owners. They will lunge for food and while burms will too, it isn't with quite the same vigor as an equally sized burm.



In the end, though, both snakes are fully capable of killing or severely injuring a person and both must be given the utmost in respect.



Rob Carmichael, Curator

The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm

City of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation (IL)

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