Scientific Name: Python regius
Habitat: The ball python lives in western and central Africa. They can be found in open forests and dry savannas. Usually they reside in areas near open water where they can cool themselves during hot weather.
Diet: Ball pythons feed primarily on rodents such as rats, gerbils and jerboas, but they will also eat other small mammals and birds.
Size: 4 to 6 feet long
Weight: 4 to 5 pounds
Lifespan: 20 to 30 years, but have been known to live up to 48 years.