Red-tailed boa
Boa constrictor
There is a high risk associated with keeping this species as a pet. This is not a suitable pet.
© Shutterstock
Assessment results
High risk
Conservation | Low risk
This animal is most likely not threatened by extinction, and/or the exotic pet trade does not impact the wild population. Please check that the animal you want comes from a reputable seller or rescue center that follows best practices when they source their animals.
Legality | Moderate risk
It’s likely that the animal has some national legal protections or import restrictions; however, exotic pet ownership is regulated at the state, county, or city level, so check your jurisdiction to see if you can own it. Keeping these protected or prohibited species can have legal consequences for the owner, including fines or bans on pet ownership or sale. Learn more about relevant exotic pet trade and ownership laws.
Human and public health | High risk
It is likely that this animal is a threat to human or public health due to potential life-threatening zoonotic diseases and physical attributes that can harm humans. Learn more about animal-related illness and injuries.
Invasiveness | High risk
This species could negatively impact native biodiversity of habitats. Never release this pet, or any pet, into the wild for any reason. Learn more about invasive species.
Animal welfare | Moderate risk
Care, diet, and housing needs of this species are either insufficiently known or difficult, making it hard to ensure it has a good quality of life for its lifetime. Learn more about the challenges with exotic pet welfare.
⚠️ Important considerations
- Red-tailed boa populations are declining in the wild and in demand for the pet trade, though commonly captive bred in the US for the pet trade.
- Most reptiles carry salmonella in their intestinal tract and may not be suitable for young children or immuno-compromised individuals. Always practice good hygiene and hand washing around snakes. Boas can also cause harm to people, especially children, due to bites and constriction.
- Check your local laws on exotic pet ownership. In the US, some states or municipalities have restrictions on the keeping of boas as pets.
- Red-tailed boa housing and diet needs require additional knowledge and effort. They can grow very large, up to 8 feet long and require an enclosure at least that long. Their enclosure needs a gradient of temperatures (75-80ºF on the cool end and 90-95ºF on the warm end) in their environment to be able to regulate their own body temperature, proper humidity (60-70%), and proper amounts of UVA and UVB light from a lamp, to ensure good health.
- Boa constrictors are an invasive species in Florida due to escaped or released captive individuals, and their invasive range could expand due to climate change. If you can no longer keep your pet, contact your local rescue center, responsible pet store, accredited zoo, veterinarian, or other trusted home to find someone that can take it in. Never release a pet outside, into the wild.
- As with all pet reptiles, ensure there is access to a veterinarian that specializes in reptiles and consult them about proper habitat setup, diet, and care. Find a reptile vet near you.
Basic information
Taxonomy:
Squamata, Boidae
Lifespan:
20-30 years in the wild, 25-40 years in captivity
Weight:
up to 50 lbs. (22.7 kg)
Size:
6-8 ft (1.8-2.4 m) long
Native range and habitat:
Woodlands, semi-arid forests, and rainforests of Central and South America
Diet:
Rodents, birds, iguanas, monkeys
Activity and behavior:
- Most active at dawn, dusk, or at night, spending the daytime hiding and sometimes basking in the sun if it's cooler out
- Solitary animals that only associate with others to mate
© WWF-Japan