Habitat: Ranging from the high cloud forests to the dry low lands, these beautifully marked snakes are only moderately arboreal. Frequently found near human habitation (due to the quantity of rodents found near human habitats), boas are primarily nocturnal or crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk). In the extreme northern and southern portions of their range, the boas will often go through several weeks of inactivity to get through the periods of extreme cold or drought, a behavior that may be observed in captivity as the weather changes throughout the year. Those snakes living in the consistently high humid temperatures of the rain forest areas will remain active throughout the year.

Physical Description: Closely related to the python, the boa constrictor is pale sandy brown (which may have a pink cast) with 15 to 20 chocolate brown marks on its back. Neonates range from 12 to 24 inches. Growth in newborns is very rapid, between 3-5 feet in one year (up to 300% size increase in first year). The second year can yield lengths of 4 to 7 feet. Adults range anywhere from 5 to 10 feet, with an occasional 12 and 15 footer thrown in just to keep us all on our toes. These are very muscular and thick bodied snake and can weigh up to 50 pounds. Growth is related to diet and housing conditions. However, unlike fish, a reptile WILL outgrow its surroundings. After the second year, the growth rate slows down significantly, but snakes do continue to grow, however slightly, during their entire lives. (Boa Constrictors are the 2nd largest species of snake found in the Americas – 2nd to Anacondas). A well fed Boa will shed about once a month. Some shed less often, maybe every 2 to 3 months.

Diet: Boas devour a variety of prey in the wild - amphibians, lizards, other snakes, birds and mammals. The rule of thumb is that you can feed prey items that are no wider than the widest part of the snake's body. While boas will often gladly eat prey that is actually too large for it, they will generally regurgitate the prey item one or more days later. Because they are cold blooded and slow moving they don’t need to eat too often – only about once every week or two. Boa constrictors grab their prey with their teeth, then quickly wrap their coiled bodies around the prey and squeeze tightly so that the animal’s lungs cannot expand and it suffocates. Rhythmic muscular contractions pull the prey down the snake’s throat and into its stomach. To breath while eating boas have a special tube in the bottom of its mouth that remains open to one side to take in air.

Boas are ambush hunters. They remain still and hidden until a possible meal comes close, then strike forward quickly to catch it. Boas flick their tongues in and out to catch scent particles from the air. This way of "smelling” helps them find their prey. Most species also have special temperature-sensitive scales around their mouths, with lots of nerve endings that can sense the heat of a nearby animal. This allows them to find prey even in the dark or among dense foliage

Reproduction: Boa Constrictors reach sexual maturity at 2-3 years of age. The live bearing females boas will give birth to 10 to 60 young (depending upon the subspecies) after a gestational period of 4 to 10 months (depending upon temperature and several other factors). After fertilization, the eggs remain in the female's body, where they develop over several months inside thin membranes. Unlike its close relative, the python, the boa constrictor gives birth to live fully formed young. The protective membranes rupture as the young are released. Once born, they are on their own to start protecting themselves (usually by hiding at first) and to find food. Most are smaller versions of the adults and instinctively know how to survive on their own. Unlike most big snakes, many female boas do not bear young each year. Boa Constrictors are seasonal breeders.

Behavior: With the exception of mating season Boa Constrictors are primarily solitary. There is little difference in temperament between the two sexes.

Status: All species are endangered or restricted

Fun Facts:

	Boa Constrictors are a species of Boas and the second larges member of this family (Anaconda being the largest). There are 39 species in the widely distributed Boa family and several sub-species of Boa Constrictors. The Red-Tailed Boa Constrictors usually have an interesting pattern of brown and black with a reddish tail.
	Because of the large size many boas can reach, they move by traveling forward in a straight line, which is known as "rectilinear progression.” This is accomplished by stiffening the ribs to provide support, then lifting a set of ventral (on the belly) scales and moving them forward so the loose ends grip the surface, pushing the snake ahead. This type of movement works on the ground as well as in trees, and boas can even climb smooth surfaces. They can’t move very fast, though, only about 1 mile per hour
	Also like Pythons, Boas are considered primitive species. They have 2 lungs (most snakes have only one)