Relatively docile, the ball python is held sacred in some African cultures. When threatened, this snake may knot itself into a tight ball!
ORIGIN:
Central and West Africa
HABITAT:
Open forests and grasslands
HEIGHT/WEIGHT:
3-4 lbs
Length: 3-6 ft
DIET:
Rodents
PREDATORS:
Larger snakes, birds of prey and humans
NATURAL DEFENSES:
Sharp teeth and camouflage
REPRODUCTION:
2-month incubation; sexually mature at 1.5 yrs
THREATS:
Agricultural pollution
LIFE EXPECTANCY:
10 yrs in wild, 30 yrs in human care