Is It Legal to Own a Ball Python in India? The Truth Will Surprise You!

Ball pythons are quiet and calm snakes which is why many people across the world keep them as pets. Their small size makes them very easy to care for but if living in India and dream of having one then think again.
The truth about owning a ball python in India is not what most people expect. These snakes are not just hard to find here but there is also a strict law that controls their trade and ownership.
In India, ball pythons do not fall under normal pet rules. They are protected by wildlife laws that are meant to stop animal smuggling and illegal pet trading.
According to the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, all snakes that are native or protected by international trade laws are illegal to own. The ball python which is native to Africa is listed under Appendix II of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). This means their trade and possession are controlled worldwide. India is a member of CITES so keeping one is against the Indian law.
Keeping a ball python as a pet in India is not approved by the forest department. There are no legal breeders or licenses for these snakes inside the country. Even buying one online or from a private seller counts as illegal trade.

The Indian government protects wild animals to stop illegal trading across borders. Exotic pets like ball pythons are brought into the country without permission. This kind of trade harms wild populations and puts local species at risk and to stop it India keeps a strict law.
Another reason is that snakes like ball pythons carry diseases that could harm other animals if they escape. Weather in India also makes it easy for them to survive outdoors where they could harm other native species. The law tries to avoid such problems by banning their ownership altogether.


If someone is caught owning a ball python in India, then the wildlife officials take them away instantly. The owner has to face legal consequences for this crime under wildlife law which would include significant penalties and also could be imprisoned for 3 to 7 years considering the severity of the situation. The same rule applies if someone is seen selling, buying or advertising Ball Python. Internet trading of exotic pets is also a punishable act.


A true reptile lover can opt for other safe and legal snakes. Some native species that are allowed to be kept under special provisions. Reptiles like Corn Snake, California Kingsnake and Garter Snake are some safe options that reptile enthusiasts keep as pets. Another idea is to volunteer with snake rescue groups where one could work with snakes in a safe and legal way. This helps understand how to handle them, help in rescues and spread awareness about wildlife safety.

Owning a Ball Python in India may seem like an exciting experience but there are legal consequences to such actions. This is why before deciding to take such a big step, one needs to be aware about their country’s wildlife laws.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do ball pythons bond with humans?Ball pythons do not grow an attachment to humans, but they can become habituated to human presence overtime.
2. Are ball pythons hard to keep alive?Ball Pythons are docile and moderately easy to care for, although they require a lot of space in their habitat.
3. What is a snake's weakness?Snakes' primary weaknesses are cold temperatures, because they are cold-blooded.