Is the Bahamian Boa venomous?

No. The Bahamian Boa (Chilabothrus strigilatus) is non-venomous and is not considered dangerous to humans. Like most snakes, it will retreat rather than bite when given the chance.

Is the Bahamian Boa poisonous?

Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Bahamian Boa is neither poisonous nor venomous.

Is the Bahamian Boa dangerous?

The Bahamian Boa is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.

Where does the Bahamian Boa live?

The Bahamian Boa has verified records in 2 countries, including Bahamas, United States of America. See the distribution section below for its full range.

Boidae

Bahamian Boa

Harmless

Chilabothrus strigilatus

Bahamian Boa — Chilabothrus strigilatus, © Kevin Judge

6 photographs of the Bahamian Boa. © Kevin Judge.

The Bahamian Boa (Chilabothrus strigilatus) is a non-venomous snake in the Boidae family, recorded in 2 countries.

Family: Boidae

About the Bahamian Boa

Chilabothrus strigilatus, also known commonly as the Bahamian boa, is a species of snake in the family Boidae. The species is endemic to the Bahamas. There are five recognized subspecies.

Habitat

The preferred natural habitats of C. strigilatus are forest and shrubland, but it has also been found in gardens.

Diet

Large adults of C. strigilatus prey upon both warm-blooded (birds, rodents) and cold-blooded (frogs, lizards) animals. Smaller adults and young prey predominately on lizards of the genus Anolis.

Reproduction

C. strigilatus is viviparous and reproduces every other year.

Subspecies

Five subspecies are recognized as being valid, including the nominate subspecies:

Chilabothrus strigilatus strigilatus (Cope, 1862) – Bahamian boa – New Providence Island, including Rose Island, Eleuthera Island, Long Island and the Exuma Cays near Andros Island, the Bahamas

Chilabothrus strigilatus ailurus Sheplan & Schwartz, 1974 – Cat Island boa – Cat Island and Alligator Cay, the Bahamas

Chliabothrus strigilatus fosteri Barbour, 1941 – Bimini boa – Bimini Island, the Bahamas

Chilabothrus strigilatus fowleri Sheplan & Schwartz, 1974 – Andros boa – Andros Island and Berry Island, the Bahamas

Chilabothrus strigilatus mccraniei Sheplan & Schwartz, 1974 – Ragged Island boa – Ragged Island, the Bahamas

Etymology

The subspecific name, fowleri, is in honor of herpetologist Danny C. Fowler.

The subspecific name, mccraniei, is in honor of American herpetologist James R. McCranie.

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Bahamian Boa

Is the Bahamian Boa venomous?: No. The Bahamian Boa (Chilabothrus strigilatus) is non-venomous and is not considered dangerous to humans. Like most snakes, it will retreat rather than bite when given the chance.
Is the Bahamian Boa poisonous?: Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Bahamian Boa is neither poisonous nor venomous.
Is the Bahamian Boa dangerous?: The Bahamian Boa is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
Where does the Bahamian Boa live?: The Bahamian Boa has verified records in 2 countries, including Bahamas, United States of America. See the distribution section below for its full range.
What does the Bahamian Boa eat?: Large adults of C. strigilatus prey upon both warm-blooded (birds, rodents) and cold-blooded (frogs, lizards) animals. Smaller adults and young prey predominately on lizards of the genus Anolis.
Why is it called the Bahamian Boa?: The subspecific name, fowleri, is in honor of herpetologist Danny C. Fowler. The subspecific name, mccraniei, is in honor of American herpetologist James R. McCranie.

Where it is found

Bahamas United States of America

More Boidae snakes

Classification

How scientists group this snake, from the broadest category down to the exact species. Each step narrows to its closest relatives.

OrderThe broad group of scaled reptiles: all snakes and lizards: Squamata
FamilyA group of related snakes that share key traits: Boidae
GenusA close-knit group of very similar species: Chilabothrus
SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name: Chilabothrus strigilatus

Keep learning

Distribution from GBIF & iNaturalist. Venom status per CDC. Background: Wikipedia. Informational only. Never handle a snake to identify it.