With no neck and tiny eyes, it can also be difficult to distinguish which end of the snake contains the teeth. Looking much like a shiny, rubber snake, the boa is brown to olive green with an orange-yellow belly.

Because of this, the Ministry of the Environment requests any sightings of the elusive night snake be reported to provide further knowledge of their activities. The rarity of the species and encroaching human urbanization has put the night snake on the provincial red list, marking it at-risk. One of the rarest snakes in the country, the night snake habitat is limited to south-central B.C., mainly the Okanagan Valley. Grooved teeth in the back of the mouth injects a small amount of venom into the amphibian to subdue it. Passing prey are quickly snagged as the night snake springs out of the trap. The snakes bury themselves in sandy soil using their upturned eyes to peer out of the sandy trap. When not nibbling on den-mates the night snake prefers to ambush amphibians and reptiles. They hibernate over the winter possibly sharing the dens with rattlesnakes giving them easy access to a favorite snack: baby rattlers. Although they are venomous, the venom is quite weak and harmful only to the small prey they hunt. Latin Name: Hypsiglena torquata deserticolaĬryptic and nocturnal, the night snake is poorly understood but bears a slight resemblance to the rattlesnake. Dens provide protection from freezing and eggs are preferentially laid in south-facing sites with sand or small rocks to nest in.Įggs hatch in August or September but the hatchlings almost immediately seek a place to hibernate (hibernacula) and emerge in the spring when the rodents are plentiful. They are avid hunters and can be one of the best pest control methods for farmers that provide the three critical elements: hibernacula (dens), egg-laying sites and food in the summer. Gopher snakes subdue their prey by constriction, squeezing their dinner until the victim’s heart stops and it can be easily swallowed. Add some crunchy dry leaves that a nervous hiker can mistake as a rattle, and many a gentle gopher snake has provided the uninformed backpacker with a harrowing story of escaping near death. Although non-venomous the gopher snake is similar in colour to the rattlesnake and has adopted the rattlers’ threatening swaying motion when confronted. Growing to a maximum length of 2.4-metres, it’s also the largest snake in the province. Great Basin Gopher Snake Joe Decruyenaere, Name: Pituophis catenifer deserticolaĪ gorgeous snake with dark ‘squarish’ blotches running down the back of a creamy yellow body, the species prefers the hot, dry interior of the province. We can only accept applications from interested parties who are in or near San Diego County, California at this time.Pregnant females give birth in the spring and the tiny little snakes are just as venomous as their parents but lack a functional rattle. If you think we may be a good match, or you would like to get to know me better, please click the Adoption Application button below my bio.

With the right diet, habitat, substrate, temperature, and humidity I can live a long and healthy life! Here is a great link where you can learn more about me >

I have managed to get out on a few occasions, clearly, so my habitat will require a lock. I'm also very healthy and I am a great eater! As a young and active boa, I require my own habitat that is secure. My average length is between 5 and 9 ft long but I can grow as long as 12 ft! My lifespan can be from 20 - 30 yrs but again, some of us live 40 yrs long! To be honest, I am a bit too skinny for my length so I will need to fatten up a bit. I am a large snake that is currently about 5 ft long. I was found as a stray and then transferred to rescue to help me find my new home!

Boa constrictor habitat thumbnails