Creature Feature
Ball Python, scientifically known as Python Regius is a python species that is native to West and Central Africa. Their natural habitat includes grasslands & open forests.
The name “ball python” refers to the animal’s tendency to curl into a ball when stressed or frightened. A common belief is that the name “royal python” (from the Latin regius) comes from the legend that rulers in Africa, especially Cleopatra, would wear the python as jewelry.
Ball Pythons are one of the smallest of all pythons, growing approximately 3-5 feet long, in contrast, the reticulated python can be over 30 feet! They are considered ‘heavily-bodied’ snakes.
In captivity, Ball Pythons can live over 30 years! In the wild, their life expectancy is much shorter due to natural predators.
Ball Pythons are non-venomous, however they do have 100-150 teeth, designed to grip their prey during mealtimes.