Hi there — my name is Caramel, my foster mom calls me Cara, and 2026 is my year to find my forever family. 🐍💛 I may be called a “common” ball python, but there’s nothing ordinary about me! My unique patterns might even hint at some leopard lineage, making me just as beautiful as I am sweet. My journey hasn’t been easy. I came into the shelter system on September 1, 2023, during an emergency intake of several unusual species. At first, I was overwhelmed and very fearful, but then I was transferred into rescue care, where I finally felt safe, loved, and ready to blossom. It took patience and kindness, but I’ve learned to trust humans. I’m naturally shy, but calm, gentle, and easy to handle. My foster says I’m sweet and observant, with a steady feeding schedule and a love for cozy hides. While I’m not super active, I enjoy quiet companionship — sometimes hanging out around the back of your neck for movie nights or calm hangouts for up to two hours at a time. As of April 2025, I measure 30.5 inches long and weigh just under a pound (1 lb 0.9 oz / 47.89 g). I’d do best with someone patient and compassionate, who understands that love sometimes takes time, and who will give me a safe space to keep growing and thriving. ✨ Ball Python – Species & Personality Facts ✨ • Typically grow to 3–5 feet as adults • Lifespan: 30–40 years in captivity with proper care • Calm, gentle, and easy to handle — perfect for patient, steady humans • Primarily nocturnal — most active in the evenings and nights • Curl into a tight “ball” when unsure, which is where our name comes from • Love hides and burrowing, which help me feel safe, cozy, and secure 🏠 Husbandry & Enclosure Requirements 🏠 • Minimum enclosure: 4 feet long × 2 feet wide × 2 feet tall (bigger is always better) - The rescue can help guide you • Enclosures should prioritize ground space over height • Front-opening enclosures are ideal to reduce stress • Temperature gradient: warm side 88–92°F, cool side 78–80°F • Moderate humidity, with access to a water bowl for soaking • Multiple hides help me feel safe and secure • Simple, functional décor works best — cozy and calm 🐍 I’m looking for a human who: • Can provide safe, thermostat-controlled heat 🔥 • Knows (or wants to learn) proper ball python care, including temperature, humidity, and safe handling • Can give me time to settle in — 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to build trust, and 3 months to truly feel at home ⏳ I’m calm, gentle, and ready to bring quiet companionship, warmth, and charm into the right home. Could 2026 be our year together? 🏡✨ ✨ PLEASE NOTE: 🎁 We can only accept applications from interested parties who are in or near San Diego County, California at this time. ❄️ We do not ship reptiles 🚫✈️ but we may be willing to work with you if you are willing to travel 🚗 🌟 #2 (snowflake) will depend on the animal that you are applying for and is at the discretion of the board of directors. 💛🎁 If you’d like to make me part of your family, please click the Adoption Application button below — I can’t wait to meet you! ✨🏡