Boa Constrictor

The Boa Constrictor (Constrictor constrictor) is the most renowned boidae species, which inhabits large territories with diverse conditions from South Mexico to central Argentina. It is about 6-9 ft long, and has light skin with characteristic diamond markings. This snake, like all boidae, kills prey by coiling around it and applying its great muscle strength until the victim stops breathing.

The Boidae family includes over 30 species, which can be found in North, Latin and South America. All Boas use the same killing tactic. As long as they differ in size and temperament greatly, each species should be treated with a certain degree of caution. Large Boa Constrictors are powerful enough to injure or kill a human. They strike rapidly, and it may be not until a snake coils around you that you realize the danger of the situation.

Boids’ body structure is different from those of other snakes. They have a number of primitive physical characteristics, proving their relationship with lizards, such as rudimentary hind legs and one functional lung instead of two. Most Boas do not lay eggs and give birds to live young. However, pythons of the Old World do lay eggs. Boa Constrictors breed seasonally, and females may give birth to as many as 60 little snakes.

As Boa Constrictors do okay in various habitats, they can be both terrestrial and arboreal. They feed on large lizards, rodents, birds, opossums, bats, mongooses, squirrels, etc. Boa Constrictors prefer to hunt during night hours, so they rely on their heat-sensitive scales to locate prey. These snakes are very adept at catching bats.

Like many Boa species, Boa Constrictors can be used as pets. However, they have a specific temperament, and hence they are not recommended for beginners. Boa Constrictors are quite large for apartment life, and they require daily care and special feeding. It is very important to keep a Boa Constrictor satisfied with its food in order to prevent it from mistaking your hand, head or leg for prey. Captive snakes usually eat rats and mice, but as large a snake as the Boa Constrictor may require as large a game as a rabbit. Needless to say, you must take your time and study the species, housing, feeding and handling requirements and, most important, make sure you really want a snake in your house. It is absolutely vital for a Boa Constrictor to enjoy safety and freedom of action in its enclosure, so it should feature numerous facilities for your snake to hide, play and rest and must provide a due amount of space.