"Constrictors stop the flow of blood in their prey, and that's causing death," Boback explains. "And it's happening at a rapid pace." The study provides a "more detailed explanation than ever before of how constriction subdues even large and strong prey so quickly and effectively," Moon says.

Are constrictors dangerous to humans?

While boas are not poisonous, the bite can do damage in its own right. A child, especially a young child, should not be in any situation that could cause risk of being bitten or constricted by a boa constrictor.

How do constrictor snakes kill?

Many snakes kill their prey with venom, but boas and pythons kill by squeezing, or constricting, their prey. These snakes are known as constrictors. Constrictors wrap themselves around their victims and use their massively powerful muscles to suffocate them.