Rubber Boas are one of the smaller boa species. The common name is derived from their skin which is often loose and wrinkled and consists of small scales that are smooth and shiny, these characteristics give the snakes a rubber like look and texture. Colors are typically tan to dark brown with a lighter ventral surface but sometimes olive-green, yellow, or orange. Newborns often appear pink and slightly transparent but darken with age. Rubber boas have small eyes with vertically elliptical pupils and short blunt heads that are no wider than the body. One of the most identifiable characteristics of Rubber Boas is their short blunt tails that closely resemble the shape of their head.
Ten Facts about Rubber Boa
- Rubber Boas are one of the smaller boa species, adults can be anywhere from 15 to 33 inches (840 mm) long; and newborns are typically 7.5 to 9 inches (230 mm) long.
- The rubber boa occurs throughout much of Washington. Populations are spotty, and individuals can be difficult to find even though they are common in some areas. Outside Washington, rubber boas occur in the mountains and canyons of Idaho, western Montana, northwestern Wyoming.
- Rubber boas live in many habitats, including moist forest, dry pine forest, and shrubby habitats. They seem to be more common where there is moisture such as streams or moist soil underground, although the surface soil may be dry.
- They can be found at elevations anywhere from sea level to over 10,000 feet (3,000 m).
- When threatened, Rubber Boas will curl into a ball, bury their head inside, and expose their tail to mimic their head.
- Predators are too large raptors, coyotes, raccoons, cats, etc.
- Rubber Boas are viviparous (give birth to live young) and can have up to 9 young per year.
- Mating occurs shortly after reemergence from hibernation in the spring and young are born anywhere from August to November later that year.
- Rubber Boas primarily feed on young mammals such as shrews, voles, mice, etc.
- The rubber boa is a sweet little snake that makes a fine pet.
