AFTER the revelation that there could be a boa constrictor slithering around Oxford, we thought it would be useful if readers knew a bit about the snake.
Here are eight key facts about the reptile – just in case you stumble across it.
Read also: Huge boa constrictor on the loose in Oxford
REVEALED: ANOTHER boa constrictor was found in Oxford woods in 2011
- The longest reported boa constrictor was 13 feet long
This is a touch above four metres, while most are between 6.5 and 9.8 feet, or two to three metres.
- There are more than 50 constricting snake species
These are all non-venomous members of the boidae family, with 'boa' a name shared by many. It means that all boas are constrictors, but there is only one boa constrictor.
Read also: This is how much it costs to keep a dangerous wild animal in Oxford
- In the wild, they live exclusively in the western hemisphere
Known as 'New World snakes', they are found across the Americas, the islands of the Caribbean and off the Pacific coast.
- Boa constrictors give birth to live babies
These hit the ground slithering and are therefore independent within minutes. Most clutches include 20 to 50 infants.
Read also: Some of the other dangerous animals living in Oxfordshire
- They generally focus on small prey
While boa constrictors have been known to eat animals as large as deer, they generally focus on mammals such as squirrels and rats.
- Boa constrictors can live for several decades
It depends on what environment they are living in, but if looked after well they have been known to live for more than 40 years in captivity.
- It is a common misconception that they kill prey by suffocating it
This was scientists' long-held belief, but boa constrictors actually claim their victims by cutting off the blood supply.
- They don't always need to eat regularly
After a large meal, boa constrictors may not need to eat again for several weeks.
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