BALL PYTHON

Adults are generally only 3-4 feet long, but large female Ball Pythons may reach up to 6 feet, while the smaller males reach a maximum of about 5 feet.

Ball Pythons are usually light brown and black, with some variation based on location. In captivity, humans have bred these snakes to exhibit over 3,000 different color patterns, known as morphs.

These snakes will curl into a tight ball when stressed or frightened, giving them their common name. Their scientific name means “royal”, so they are also known as Royal Pythons. This name is believed to originate from some African rulers having been known to wear live pythons like jewelry.

The Igbo people in Nigeria consider the Ball Python to be symbolic of the earth. If one is accidentally killed, a coffin will be made and it will be given a short funeral.

NEAR THREATENED (NT):
Population numbers continuing to decline.