The Boa Constrictors

Boa Constrictors are one of the largest snakes in the world, along with the Reticulated Python and Anaconda. 
Boas are non-poisonous but just as deadly. They ambush their prey, which means that they will hide and wait for
something yummy to go by and then do a surprise attack. They use their flicking tongue to pick up the scent. 
Just as their name suggests, they will coil their bodies around the prey and with each breath of the prey they will
constrict, or squeeze, their coils just a little tighter until the animal can no longer breath. Their prey consists of
birds, lizards, frogs and small mammals. Larger Boas will even eat monkeys, pigs or deer.


Although they are not considered Pit Vipers, some Boas have heat-sensitive scales around their mouths that help them
find prey in the dark.
These snakes live in hot, tropical places and can be found both on the ground and in trees.
Boas give birth to live young, which means that they develop completely inside their mother. Once they are born they
are on their own and know pretty much all they have to know about finding food and hiding.
Boas are said to be the most beautifully colored of all snakes.


Boa constrictors are solitary animals, and will only associate with con specifics to mate.
They are nocturnal, however they may bask during the day when night-time temperatures are too low.
As semi-arboreal snakes, young boa constrictor individuals may climb into trees and shrubs to forage,
however they become mostly terrestrial as they become older and heavier.[12] Boa constrictors will strike when
threatened, and will bite in defense. This bite can be painful, especially from large snakes, but is rarely dangerous.
However, care must be taken to ensure that infection doesn't result from the injury. Specimens from Central America
are more irascible, hissing loudly and striking repeatedly when disturbed, while those from South America tame down more

readily. Like all snakes, Boa constrictors that are in a shed cycle will be more unpredictable. This is because the
substance that lubricates between the old skin and the new will make the eyes appear "milky" or "opaque", and as such
the snake cannot see very well. This will cause it to be more defensive than it may be otherwise.