A large, heavy-bodied, non-venomous snake of tropical America, and a staple of pet collections. It’s the only animal commonly called by its scientific name in English.
Quick answers
What is it?Reptile
Carnivore?Yes
Dangerous?Can be
Its bite can be painful, especially from a big snake, but is rarely dangerous to people.
Domesticated?No
Awake when?Night
Nocturnal, though it basks by day when nights are too cold.
Hibernates?No
Kept as a pet?Sometimes
Boa constrictors are frequently kept and bred in captivity.
Do people eat it?In places
Hunted for meat and skins, and a common sight in markets within its range.
At a glance
Found inSouth America, Central America
HabitatRainforest, Forest, Scrub
ColoursBrown, Tan, Red
SizeLarge
Length1–4 m; usually 2–3 m
LegsNone
Covered inScales
Lives alone
Lives for20–30 years
Can swim
In the wild
- Where it lives
- Tropical South America.
Did you know
The only animal usually called by its scientific name in English.
A very capable swimmer, it often lives along rivers and streams.
Often confused with
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