Facts about ball python

Its habitat requires a source of running water for the snake to cool down.

It is believed that ball pythons were worn by ancient royals as jewelry.

Their colors and patterns vary so much, it is said there are no two identical ball pythons in the wild.

It relies on 100 to 150 sharp teeth to disable its prey.

They are “used” as pest control in various rural communities.

They regulate their metabolism during dry seasons.

They spend the majority of their days in holes and burrows.

People of the Igbo Tribe in Nigeria would throw funeral ceremonies for every individual accidentally killed.

The record holder lives in the Saint Louis Zoo, and her age is estimated at 63 years old. She is also known for reproducing through parthenogenesis at the age of 62 when she laid seven eggs.

It is unusual behavior for snakes.

Hatchlings are more colorful than adult ball pythons, and measure between 35 and 43 centimeters long. They feed on insects, small mammals, and small birds.

During that time, they are most vulnerable, especially to other predators.

They gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s.

Over 3 million were exported from Africa. People pick up their eggs and breed them in captivity until they are ready to be sold.

This black and white morph was named after the famous imperial soldier armor from the Star Wars franchise. It was created in the 1990s by crossing an axanthic morph with a pastel morph. Since the breeder has not been able to produce offspring with morph resembling the original, it is currently unavailable for sale.

The original morph, when on display, was offered for US$50,000.