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red-tailed boa

snake
Also known as: Boa constrictor constrictor

Quick Summary

The red-tailed boa (Boa constrictor constrictor) is a large, thick-bodied, nonvenomous snake belonging to the boa family, Boidae. These snakes are found from Argentina to northern Mexico and inhabit various environments, including tropical rainforests, savannas, and scrublands. Adult red-tailed boas typically reach about 10 feet (3 meters) in length, though some can grow much larger.12

They have a triangular head with distinctive markings and a coloration that varies but often includes brown and black patterns on a lighter background. Red-tailed boas are primarily active from dusk to dawn, hunting birds and mammals by constricting them. They are known for their mild temperament and are easily tamed, making them popular in the pet trade. These snakes give birth to live young, with litters ranging from one to several dozen.12

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