Dexter (Red-Tailed Boa)
Squamata
bondae
The boa constrictor, also nicknamed the red-tailed boa
or common boa, is one of the largest snakes in the world. Boas are not poisonous, but have the ability
to suffocate prey. Boas will surprise
their prey by coiling around them and squeezing them until death. The snake can swallow its prey entirely
whole, which is later digested by its strong stomach acid. After a large meal, the boa constrictor can
go weeks before consuming food again.
They are native to the tropical forests of Central and South
America. They prefer warm, humid
environments. As a capable swimmer, they
are found along rivers and streams. They
are mainly terrestrial and commonly live in hollow logs and abandoned mammal
burrows. Boa constrictors prey on a
variety of small to medium sized mammals and birds. The bulk of their diet consists of rodents
and lizards. Boa constrictors have poor
vision, and rely on their specialized heat-sensing cells to locate prey.
Dexter was given to Critter
Creek by its owner who could no longer take care of him.