Identification of Ball Pythons
Ball pythons are one of the most popular nonnative snakes in the pet trade. While they can be confused with Burmese pythons, adult ball pythons rarely grow longer than 4 feet. Although ball pythons have been found in the wild, there are no known reproducing populations.
Distinguishing Characteristics of Ball Pythons
Light tan blotches are rounded and resemble dumbbells or alien heads
Blotches sometimes have dark spots within the lighter tan color
Snakes tend to curl into a ball when threatened
What's the Difference?
Ball pythons have rounded, light tan markings on a dark background
Burmese pythons have angular, dark brown markings on a lighter tan background
