A ball python from Leinwand’s lab. CREDIT: Yuxiao Tan. Compared with the hearts of pythons who hadn’t eaten, the fed pythons increased their own mass by close to 25 percent after eating.

A Florida python hunter prefers his snake ground up like hamburger with ketchup, mustard, and mayo, however state recommends NOT eating the slithering monster. Here's why.

Most adult ball pythons eat once every 7 to 14 days. Another reason people love ball pythons is their color. There are many types, called “morphs,” that come in different colors and patterns.