Boa Constrictor uses much quicker method to take life of its prey

A new study would like to differ on technique used by Boa constrictors to kill their prey. Rather than the established approach that they kill their prey by suffocation, the new research states that they cut off their prey’s blood supply.

Boa constrictors that are found in tropical Central and South America tighten its body around its prey and in which the victim's circulatory system comes under stress and cuts off the blood flow supplying oxygen to its vital organs.

Study’s lead researcher Prof Scott Boback, from Dickinson College in Pennsylvania, said that from the research they came to know that the snakes use very efficient and rapid way to end the life of its prey than expected.

Boback said when the boa tightens its grip then the heart is able to put enough strength to push against the pressure. The researchers conducted an experiment in which they anesthetized lab rats and then rigged them with different instruments.

They were then fed to captive boa constrictors and it was seen what happen to rats. The researchers said, “A boa constricting a small rat is generating the kind of pressure that would stop the blood flow in your arm”.

Once the blood flow stops, organs having high metabolic rates also start to shut down. The researchers said more quickly a snake disables its prey lower is the risk for the predator to get hurt in the process.