Exploring the Social Behavior of Ball Pythons

The Social Lives of Ball Pythons

The ball python may appear to be an unassuming snake, often overlooked for its simplicity. These small African pythons rank as the second most popular pet reptile globally, cherished for their vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and generally calm demeanor. They are relatively easy to breed and are frequently kept solitary.

“People often underestimate the social dynamics of certain snakes, especially within the reptile community,” stated Morgan Skinner, a quantitative ecologist who conducted research at Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario. “As a result, many people keep them isolated, influenced by these outdated perceptions.”

However, a groundbreaking study published recently in the journal Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology reveals that ball pythons exhibit far more sociability than previously assumed. This research sheds light on snake social behavior, a field that has seen a resurgence in interest over recent years. Noam Miller, another author of the paper and a researcher at Wilfrid Laurier, noted that past studies have predominantly concentrated on garter snakes and rattlesnakes. These species are known for their unique reproductive strategies, such as giving live birth, congregating in dens during winter, and forming “friendships” during active seasons.

While pursuing his doctorate under Dr. Miller’s guidance, Dr. Skinner became intrigued by how snakes not typically recognized for their social interactions engaged with one another. Given that ball pythons lay eggs and do not have live births, coupled with their lack of a hibernation requirement, they appeared to be an ideal subject for this investigation.

In 2020, Dr. Skinner, along with colleague Tamara Kumpan, designed an experiment in which they placed a mixed-sex group of six ball pythons into a spacious enclosure. This environment was equipped with ample plastic shelters to ensure each snake had its own space. For a duration of ten days, the researchers observed the snakes’ interactions through a continuous video feed.