Ball Pythons are one of the most popular pet snakes in the US. They’re easy to care for and come in a variety of colors, patterns, and sizes.
So, has a ball python ever killed anyone? A ball python has never killed anyone and ball pythons generally can’t kill adult humans because they are non-venomous and too small to be able to constrict an adult human, although they can probably strangle a human baby, there are no records of such incidents.
This doesn’t mean that they are risk-free, however, and there are some things you need to know about ball pythons that may stop you from getting one. In this article, we are going to delve into the real risks of owning a pet ball python and what you need to do to keep yourself, your family, and your snake safe.
Contents
Can a Ball Python Kill a Person?
No, a ball python has never killed anyone. Ball pythons are non-venomous and too small to be able to constrict an adult human.
What is the Danger of Owning a Ball Python?
While it is rare for a ball python to kill someone, it can still pose a danger to humans. Here are a few things you should know about owning a pet ball python.
- Theoretically, adult Ball Pythons can strangle babies and young children under certain circumstances.
- If provoked, they may bite an adult human causing some pain or discomfort. They are nonvenomous and don’t have fangs, but their backward teeth and sharp and can do seriously hurt you.
- They can transmit dangerous bacterial and viral infections, and many snake owners have gotten Salmonella from handling and kissing their pet snake.
- They can be a danger to smaller pets, especially smaller ones like cats and small dogs. They can also trigger a dog’s territorial instincts which can make the dog become aggressive in general and attack the snake.
Has a Ball Python ever killed a child?
There are no records of a ball python killing a child, but theoretically, they could if the circumstances were right.
Ball pythons can strangle babies and young children under certain circumstances since they can be too weak to remove the snakes from around their necks with the same ease a human adult or even kid can do.
There were some alarming cases, however, of ball pythons constricting children’s legs and arms, but none has resulted in fatalities.
In 2012, an ABC News report described a one-year-old boy who was bitten by a ball python just as he (the baby) turned one. The neighbor’s snake had escaped its cage and managed to get into the youngster’s crib.
The father entered the room and discovered the snake wrapped around his son’s ankle, attempting to devour it (no, not in a cannibalistic manner). The boy’s father managed to remove the snake before anything serious happened.
In this case, the snake would have seen that it couldn’t consume the kid’s leg after a few moments. As a result, it’s reasonable to expect it would’ve just let go and go on.
If it had wrapped around the kid’s neck for some reason, though, it could have choked off his breathing by restricting it. That was not the case, though.
Can pythons kill humans?
While ball pythons can not kill humans, other python species can, and there are even some pythons that are known for killing adult humans there are a few recorded incidents of pythons strangling kids.
According to National Geographic, the types of Python species that can kill people are reticulated pythons, African rock pythons, and occasionally big Burmese pythons.
Can a Ball Python kill a dog?
Yes, a large ball python can kill a small dog, but this is very unlikely to happen because snakes naturally fear dogs and will usually try to avoid them at all costs.
A dog is not on the menu of a Ball python, and the snake is naturally wary of larger predators such as dogs.
Can a Ball Python kill a cat?
Yes, a ball python has the potential to kill small pets such as cats and other tiny animals.
A cat can be on the menu for a large adult Ball Python, but it would only make sense if there was no food available or easy access at that moment.
How do ball pythons kill their prey?
The same method is used by all pythons to kill their prey: they lie motionless on a limb and swish their tails to attract it. They attack while still in the tree or hiding spot, according to the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
When pythons hunt, they first use their long teeth to grab and subdue their prey. Constriction kills by asphyxiation, contrary to popular thinking.
Pythons and other constricting snakes do not break their victims’ bones with their strength. Many scientists believe that pythons suffocate their prey by compressing the victim’s ribs and lungs.
How big do ball pythons get?
The size of a ball python can reach up to five feet, but they are usually around three and four feet long.
They can weigh anywhere from two to fifteen pounds, depending on the age and sex of the snake. Females tend to be larger than males. If you are concerned about the size of your snake, you can check out these pet snakes that don’t
Conclusion
While ball pythons cannot kill humans, they are still capable of killing other small animals. It’s important to remember that these snakes should be treated with caution and respect. They are not domesticated animals and should never be handled without proper training. Always use caution when interacting with any wild animal.
Helpful Resources
Strangulation of Sleeping Boys Puts Spotlight on Pythons
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