Rubber Boa

A dark-colored snake coiled on a graveled flat surface. — The rubber boa is one of six reptile species found in the park.

Quick Facts

Scientific name: Charina bottae

Identification

Infrequently encountered in Yellowstone, perhaps due to its nocturnal and burrowing habits.
One of two species of snakes in the United States related to tropical boa constrictors and pythons.
Maximum length of 28 inches.
Back is brown or greenish-brown, belly is lemon-yellow; scales are small and smooth, making it almost velvety to the touch.

Habitat and Behavior

Eats small prey including mammals, amphibians, lizards, other snakes, and even small birds.
May spend great deal of time partially buried under leaves and soil, and in rodent burrows.
Usually found in rocky areas near streams or rivers, with shrubs or trees nearby.
Recent sightings have occurred in the Bechler region and Gibbon Meadows.

Similar species:

The racer (Coluber constrictor) can be found from southern British Columbia, east to Maine, and south across the US to southern Florida and southern California. Racers, as their name implies, are fast and sleek snakes, unlike the slow-moving rubber boa. Racers also have larger eyes than rubber boas and round pupils. Any sightings of this species should be reported to resource managers.