Pythons belong to the non-poisonous strangler snakes. They are widespread in the tropical part of the Old World, from Africa through Asia to Australia. They inhabit forests, but also open savannas. They are massive snakes with a distinct neck and head. The largest species grow up to 10 meters in length. The behavior of females during breeding is interesting. They lay eggs, but unlike other oviparous snakes, they take care of them. They circle around and guard. They also ensure the right humidity for the eggs and even heat them up. They generate heat by twitching their muscles or get them heated in the sun. The Ball python from African savannah belongs to the smaller species and reaches a length of about 1.5 m. It spends most of its time in a suitable underground burrow, where the female also lays and guards her eggs. It is most active at dawn and dusk. Their behavior in case of danger is typical, when they curl into a tight ball with their head hidden in the folds of their bodies. The Igbos (a large nation from West Africa, mostly Nigeria) worship the python so much, that when they find one in the village, they take it to the forest. If they find a dead python or they kill it accidentally, they make a coffin and bury it. This custom originates from the traditional indigenous religion of the Igbo, but is often observed by Christian Igbo as well. Pythons are also sacred in Ghana, Benin and other countries.