Rubber Boa

A member of the family Boidae (“boas”), the Rubber Boa is one of only two boa species native to Canada and is the only boa found in British Columbia. This small, non-venomous snake is characterized by its smooth, rubbery-looking skin and blunt head and tail, which are similar in appearance and may help confuse predators. Rubber boas in this region are highly secretive and spend much of their time underground or beneath logs, rocks, and thick leaf litter, making them rarely encountered despite occurring in suitable habitats. They are typically active during cooler periods and are often associated with moist environments such as forest edges, riparian areas, and open woodlands. They are most often found in low- to mid-elevation sites with loose, well-drained soils that allow for burrowing, along with abundant surface cover like decaying wood and stones. These boas feed primarily on small mammals, especially nestling rodents in burrows, and their seasonal activity is closely tied to temperature, with individuals overwintering below the frost line and emerging in spring under favourable conditions.