Rubber boa
For protection, the rubber boa curls into a ball with its head hidden away. It holds its blunt tail up like a fake head and makes striking motions with it to confuse attackers. The tale bone is joined into a strong solid block so it provides a pretty good thump for startle value as well. The 'rubber' name comes from the boa's skin, which is loose with small shiny scales.
- Conservation StatusLeast Concern
- Life span7.5-30 years
- Body size15-33.1 in.
- Native habitat Forests, shrublands, and grasslands of the Pacific Northwest United States
- DietRodents, eggs, lizards, birds, bats, and other snakes