
Colombian Red-Tailed Boa Constrictor
BOA CONSTRICTOR
Boa constrictors are one of the few species where their scientific name and their common name are the same. Boas are non-venomous snakes. Their jaws are lined with small, recurved (hook-shaped) teeth for gripping and holding onto prey while they wrap their muscular bodies around it, constricting, or squeezing, it. If boa constrictors are presented with dead prey, they still constrict the food item before consuming it - this is an instinctual behavior. They are very capable swimmers, even younger and smaller boas are able to climb trees. Boa constrictors possess pelvic spurs. These are hind leg remnants found of either side of the cloacal opening. They are used by males in courtship and are larger in males than in females.
Click HERE for an older kids boa Activity Sheet!
Click HERE for a younger kids boa Activity Sheet
Our Current Residents
Leroy and Jenkins both came to ZooMontana in 2018 as pet surrenders. Their owner placed their heat source inside their enclosure (likely a small aquarium or tub) and placed both snakes in it.
Leroy, Male - Born 2013 (estimate)
Leroy did not have any visible injuries when he arrived at ZooMontana; however, being on the cold side of the past enclosure may have impacted his digestive and overall health. He is the largest and heaviest snake at the zoo.
Jenkins, Female - Born 2013 (estimate)
Due to the size of Leroy and Jenkins, they were unable to move and adequately thermoregulate in their space and Jenkins would lie on top of the heat lamp 24/7. When she arrived at ZooMontana she had burns on two feet of her stomach. Her injuries healed thanks to the diligent care of her caregivers.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Squamata
- Family: Boidae
- Genus: Boa
- Species: Boa constrictor
Animal Facts
- Carnivore: eats meat such as small mammals, bats, and birds
- Population: stable
- Habitat: Rain Forest
- Nocturnal: active during the night