Ball Python or Royal Python

Python regius

"Fair Choice" Pet Fair Choice

The Ball Python is a medium-sized snake native to grasslands and farmlands of western and central Africa. Like other pythons, it is a constrictor, eating mostly small rodents. It is generally not aggressive; if threatened it usually curls up into a ball with its head on the inside (hence the name “Ball Python”). Ball Pythons are brown or black with lighter brown or gold patches, although selective breeding has produced over 100 different color varieties.

Ball Pythons are one of the most popular reptile pets in the United States. They can be either captive-bred or wild caught. Captive-bred snakes make much better pets, because they are usually healthier and more docile; in contrast, wild-caught snakes are more aggressive, and typically carry more parasites. These snakes grow to 3 to 4 feet in length and can live 20 to 30 years in captivity.

Did You Know?

If threatened the Ball Python usually curls up into a ball with its head on the inside hence the name.

Source Sustainability Fair Choice

Does the harvest for wildlife trade or captive breeding of this species harm wild populations?

Some Cause for Concern

Most Ball Pythons in the pet trade are imported from python “ranches” in Ghana, Togo, and Benin. Wild females are trapped, held until they lay eggs, and then released back into the wild; the eggs are held until they hatch and then the baby snakes are exported. Wild populations in Ghana appear to be stable, although there is concern about their long-term persistence due to the very high trapping pressure. Even though local captive-bred animals are available, over 350,000 Ball Pythons were imported into the United States during the years 1989 through 2000.

PetWatch Recommendation:

Ask for proof that your Ball Python is captive-bred from domesticated animals. Only acquire a pet from a reputable, USDA-licensed breeder to ensure that you are not buying a wild-caught and/or imported animal; captive-bred animals are more likely to be healthy and survive in captivity.

Invasion Threat Fair Choice

Does the release or escape of this species into the wild harm the environment and/or economy?

Some Cause for Concern

Ball Pythons have not become established in the wild outside their native range. But, because of the sheer number of Ball Pythons kept as pets in the United States, there is always the risk that some will be released into the wild by irresponsible owners. In the right environment (warm, humid), these snakes could become established and possibly invasive.

PetWatch Recommendation:

Check to make sure that it is legal to own a Ball Python in your state of residence and check for permitting requirements. Always keep your pet python inside a safe and secure enclosure. Never release a pet into the wild.

Animal Welfare Fair Choice

Does harvest, captive breeding, transport, or being kept as a pet harm individual animals?

Some Cause for Concern

Ball Pythons are relatively easy to care for, requiring only a warm, humid, secure environment (80ºF, 60–80% Relative Humidity). Specifically they need daily fresh water, a hiding space, fresh or frozen rodents, and a heating pad. One potential concern, however, is that they are capable of surviving for 20 to 30 years in captivity and therefore require a long-term commitment to care.

Captive-bred Ball Pythons are easier to care for, as they are typically healthier and more docile. Imported wild-caught or “ranched” animals may be stressed during capture and shipment. Imported animals are susceptible to potentially fatal skin infections and usually carry parasites.

PetWatch Recommendation:

Before acquiring a pet Ball Python, be sure to research its specific care requirements. Acquire an animal only from a reputable USDA-licensed breeder; avoid wild-caught or “ranched” Ball Pythons.

Health Threat Fair Choice

Does this animal pose a health risk to native wildlife, humans, livestock and agriculture?

Some Cause for Concern

Like all reptiles, Ball Pythons can carry Salmonella. If ingested by humans, Salmonella can cause vomiting and diarrhea; these symptoms are usually mild in healthy adults but can be fatal to infants and young children, or anyone with a compromised immune system. It is important to wash hands before and after handling an animal. Salmonella can be transmitted from exotic pets to any member of a household, even those who do not handle the pet directly.

In addition, wild-caught or ranched Ball Pythons can carry intestinal parasites, such as Cryptosporidium, and several types of exotic ticks. Ticks may in turn carry diseases (such as Q fever) that threaten humans, livestock, or wildlife; these exotic ticks could even become invasive in the United States. Ball Pythons also carry mites that cause allergies in handlers.

PetWatch Recommendation:

Due to the potential for disease transmission to humans and other household pets, acquire a Ball Python that was captive-bred in the United States, has a documented health history, and is from a reputable USDA-licensed breeder/distributor. Look carefully for small ticks that may be embedded in the scales of the snake’s skin. Be sure to ask for proof of a clean bill of health and that the animal has been checked by a certified veterinarian. Obtain a list of any medical treatments the animal has received. Do not purchase a wild-caught or ranched animal.

EcoHealth Alliance works at the intersection of ecosystem, animal and human health through local conservation programs and develops global health solutions to emerging diseases.
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