ANDOVER, Kan. (KSNW) -- Andover firefighters have rescued a 4-foot ball python. The team from Engine 1 of the department responded Wednesday to a report of a trapped snake. The reptile had become stuck in wire shelving inside its enclosure. The snake's owner held the animal steady while firefighters worked to free him safely. Baby, the python, was safely extracted and is unharmed. Andover Firefighters pose with Baby, the ball python, who they helped rescue (courtesy Andover Fire Dept.) Man unearths Nickerson ring hidden for 48 years at Cheney Lake due to low lake levels Ball pythons, also called Royal pythons, are the smallest python species and are native to Africa. The name "ball" comes from their tendency to curl themselves into a ball when stressed or frightened. They can live up to 25 years and grow to nearly 4.5 feet.