Boas

43 species

Boas are nonvenomous snakes primarily found in the Americas, as well as Africa, Europe, Asia, and some Pacific Islands. Boas include some of the world\'s largest snakes, with the Green anaconda of South America being the heaviest and second-longest snake known; in general, adults are medium to large in size, with females usually larger than the males. Most species are ovoviviparous and females give birth to live young. Boas kill their prey by constriction; after an animal has been grasped to restrain it, a number of coils are hastily wrapped around it. Then, by applying and maintaining sufficient pressure, the snake prevents its prey from inhaling, so that it eventually succumbs to asphyxiation. Prey is swallowed whole and may take several days or even weeks to fully digest. Despite their intimidating size and muscular power, boas are generally not dangerous to humans.
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Boas are nonvenomous snakes primarily found in the Americas, as well as Africa, Europe, Asia, and some Pacific Islands. Boas include some of the world\'s largest snakes, with the Green anaconda of South America being the heaviest and second-longest snake known; in general, adults are medium to large in size, with females usually larger than the males. Most species are ovoviviparous and females give birth to live young. Boas kill their prey by constriction; after an animal has been grasped to restrain it, a number of coils are hastily wrapped around it. Then, by applying and maintaining sufficient pressure, the snake prevents its prey from inhaling, so that it eventually succumbs to asphyxiation. Prey is swallowed whole and may take several days or even weeks to fully digest. Despite their intimidating size and muscular power, boas are generally not dangerous to humans.
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