After mowing the lawn, David Dudeck noticed this rubber boa advancing on him.
“This impressive looking snake slithered across the yard before it sensed human presence and then beat a hasty retreat,” Dudeck says.
“The past week also was good for viewing feathered wildlife along the rivers, lakes and wetlands of our region." adds Dudeck, referring to his photos of a majestic bald eagle taking flight, a cute little Osprey and a graceful Trumpeter Swan in the September sunshine.
Rubber boa
The northern rubber boa (Charina bottae) is a small, non-venomous snake found in various regions of Canada, particularly in British Columbia.
The northern rubber boa is primarily found in the southern interior of British Columbia, extending into the Okanagan Valley, Cariboo region, and parts of the Thompson-Nicola region.
This snake inhabits a variety of environments, including grasslands, forests, and rocky areas. It is often found in habitats with loose soil, leaf litter, or rotting logs, where it can hide from predators and hunt for prey. Rubber boas are particularly fond of moist, cool environments, often found near water sources like streams or lakes.
The northern rubber boa is small, typically ranging from 38 to 84 cm (15 to 33 inches) in length. It has a thick, cylindrical body with smooth, rubbery skin that gives it a unique appearance, almost like a toy snake.
The coloration is usually a uniform olive-green, brown, or greyish-brown, often with a yellowish or lighter belly.
The tail is blunt and short, resembling the snake's head, which can confuse predators and give the snake a chance to escape if attacked.
The northern rubber boa is nocturnal and secretive, often spending much of its time hiding under rocks, logs, or burrowing underground. It is known for its slow movements, which contribute to its nickname, the "rubber boa."
The diet mainly consists of small mammals, such as mice, shrews, and voles, as well as young snakes, lizards, and amphibians. Rubber boas are constrictors, using their muscular bodies to subdue prey.
When threatened, the rubber boa will curl into a ball, protect its head, and raise its tail, which resembles its head, to confuse predators.
The northern rubber boa is considered a species of special concern under Canada’s Species at Risk Act (SARA). In British Columbia, it is blue-listed, indicating it is of special concern but not currently endangered or threatened.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting habitats, reducing road mortality, and educating the public about the importance of this unique snake species.
The northern rubber boa is an important part of Canada’s biodiversity, playing a crucial role in controlling small mammal populations and maintaining ecological balance.
Despite its secretive nature, it is a fascinating species that highlights the diverse wildlife found in Canada’s ecosystems.
