Boa constrictors are large nonvenomous snakes found in South America. They can measure up to 13 meters in length and weigh up to 45 kilograms.
The snake can be relatively tame if reared in captivity.
Usually the snake's diet consists of rodents but varies with availability.
Methods of killing:
(1) The old theory was that the snake prevented respiration by constricting repeatedly while the person exhaled, gradually preventing ventilation.
(2) New reports indicate that the compression may restrict blood supply to vital organs, causing circulatory arrest.
Threat to humans:
(1) bite
(2) enwrapment
(3) fear of snakes (ophidiophobia)
Ocular injury can occur as a result of a boa constrictor bite.
Fatal enwrapment could occur with a very large snake and a small child or elderly adult, but this would be unusual. More often the snake could wrap around an arm or leg.
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