Boa Constrictor – Family Boidae
Introduction
The Boa Constrictor is a very large snake with a very thick body. However, it isn’t one of the biggest as the Python species all are larger that this is. They are a type of snake that many people know about and that they would never want to come face to face with in the wild.
Description
It is hard to misidentify the Boa Constrictor based on the sheer size it offers. They can grow up to 13 feet in length. However, many of them are smaller depending on the amount of food that is available. The larger of them both in width and length are the females. They can weigh as much as 99 pounds but is not usual. The average is 60 lb.
The main colors are brown or cream. They have a variety of different colors that go on them though such as greens, browns, and some black. The colors they will display depend on where they live. They need coloration that allows them to blend in well with their surroundings.
They have a head that is shaped like an arrow. They also have very distinctive markings from the eyes to the jaw line. Their lips contain cells that allow them to sense heat. This is one of the few snake species that have two lungs – but only one of them is functional.
Distribution
South America, Central America, and in locations of the Caribbean Islands are where you will find this particular species of snake. They can live in desert locations as well as in rainforests. They tend to enjoy areas with a natural cover and high amounts of humidity the most though. They are highly adaptable though so they are going to be able to live in diverse locations.
Behavior
The Boa Constrictor loves the water and they will often be found around is swimming. They are also able to find lots of quality prey around those areas. They live their lives alone other than when they are meeting up for mating. They are generally only out at night but they are sometimes seen basking in the sunlight.
This species of snake is often found in the trees. There they can hide from predators and they can find lots of prey. As they get older and heavier is when they will start to spend more and more time on land.
When they are molting they also become more aggressive. This is due to a white milky substance coming from the eyes. It prevents them from being able to see as well. It also alters many of their senses for that period of time.
Diet /Feeding
They mainly eat mammals and birds. Rodents and large lizards are often found in their habitat. They will wait for their prey to come along and ambush them.
Reproduction
The dry season is when mating will occur. This is one of the few species that give birth to live young. As soon as they are born they have to be able to find food and to find shelter. They get no care at all from the mother.
Venomous Bite /Danger to Humans
Due to the large size of the Boa Constrictor and the appearance of them some people love to keep them as pets. They allow them to move around their home too. However, these snakes can be a danger. They may become aggressive and coil tightly around a person. This will cut off the air supply. It isn’t a good idea to allow them to roam around your home while you are sleeping.
They may bite if they are spooked but they aren’t that dangerous in that regard. They will hiss when they are agitated and that is a sign that they may strike. The wound should be looked at by a doctor though due to infection being possible. Should such an infection spread it could cause permanent damages internally.
