Common Boa or Boa Constrictor

Some Cause for Concern

The Common Boa is widely distributed in its native range. In the 1980s, large numbers of wild individuals were captured for the pet and skin trade; now, the vast majority of pet Common Boas are bred in captivity. Captive animals are generally preferred because they are healthier and of better disposition. Thus, the pet trade appears to pose little threat to wild populations. However, populations of other boa species (e.g., Dwarf Boa) are threatened by harvest for the pet trade.

The international pet trade has made the Common Boa so important commercially that the species’ international trade is regulated by the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species.

Significant Cause for Concern

Boas, like pythons, are sometimes released into the wild by owners who discover that it is inconvenient to keep such a large animal. The Common Boa Constrictor has been found in the wild in Florida, and has established self-sustaining populations on several islands including Puerto Rico, Aruba, and Cozumel (Mexico). These naturalized individuals prey upon a number of native and endemic species and are a potential threat to domesticated animals, pets, and small children. As a result, Boa Constrictors are considered to pose a high risk of invasion in the U.S.

Significant Cause for Concern

As they grow in size, Boa Constrictors require increasingly larger cages and more intensive care, which many pet owners are unable to provide. Adult Boa Constrictors are commonly over 10 feet long and weigh 60 pounds, but they have been known to reach 30 feet in length. Boa Constrictors need to be fed animals that are appropriate for their size—mice and rats for small snakes, chickens or rabbits for larger snakes. Boas will suffer if improperly nourished or kept in cages that are too small. Another concern is that Boa Constrictors live for 20 to 30 years in captivity and thus require a substantial commitment to long-term care.

Significant Cause for Concern

Large Boa Constrictors can harm or even kill pets and humans through constriction. They should not be kept in the vicinity of small children or household pets.

Boa Constrictors can also carry Salmonella. If ingested by humans, Salmonella can cause vomiting and diarrhea; these symptoms are usually mild in healthy adults but can be fatal to infants and young children, or anyone with a compromised immune system. It is important to wash hands before and after handling an animal. Salmonella can be transmitted from exotic pets to any member of a household, even those who do not handle the pet directly.

Boas are also known to host a large number of ectoparasites (e.g., ticks, chiggers). There is some concern that these ticks may carry diseases that could harm domesticated livestock.