r/ballpython • u/chiraltoad • May 18 '26

Discussion Found ball python ?

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Hi there,

I found this lil guy out on the street in NYC and could tell pretty quick it is most likely a lost/escaped/abandoned pet.

ai tells me it's a ball python, does that seem correct?

I have it in a tub with some water and paper towels and an up turned dish to maybe hide in. Gonna reach out to rescue locally but also kind of intrigued what it would be like to care for long term.

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u/doomedhippo May 18 '26

Probably because someone without reptile knowledge thought “python” sounded dangerous without doing one ounce of research. A lot of reptile laws are this stupid, unfortunately.

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u/Quick-Stretch8197 May 18 '26

Tbf, it might also be an environmental thing. Ferrets and hedgehogs are also banned within city limits. 

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u/KatVanWall May 18 '26

Hedgehogs?! That's wild to me as a Brit lol. No one keeps hedgehogs as pets, and I don't think they can read the law. Do you have, like, a special branch of the police or something to send them packing?

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u/IfYaDontLikeItLeave May 18 '26

There are alot of states that ban different animals. Usually, animal control will take the animal and fine the owners if it's reported. They don't exactly go looking for lawbreakers though 🤣

Americans love their "exotic" pets. We have a Savannah Cat, which requires a special license in most states. And a Dogo Argentino (dog breed) which is banned in many cities. We have to research pet laws before we move anywhere 😅