Boa Constrictor

Boa constrictors will generally live on their own, and not interact with any other snakes unless they want 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. Boa constrictors will strike when they perceive a threat. Their bite can be painful, especially from large snakes, but is rarely dangerous to humans. 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", blue, or "opaque", so that the snake cannot see very well, causing it to be more defensive than it might be otherwise.

Boa constrictor flourishes in a wide variety of environmental conditions, from tropical rainforests to arid semi-desert country.

Prey includes a wide variety of small to medium sized mammals and birds.

Boa constrictors are ovoviviparous. The litter size can be between 10 and 65 young with an average of 25.