How long can Ball Pythons frequently live when housed in a controlled captive environment?

20 years or more

When kept under controlled captive conditions, Ball Pythons experience a considerable extension of their potential lifespan compared to their wild counterparts. It is common for these snakes to surpass the two-decade mark in well-maintained captive settings. Furthermore, dedicated keepers often report individuals surviving and thriving well past 25 years of age. This longevity is facilitated by the reliability of husbandry practices, such as consistent access to appropriate nutrition, stable thermal regulation via managed temperature gradients, and guaranteed hydration, all of which eliminate the life-shortening stressors inherent in the natural habitat.