Boa Constrictor
From UnknowableWiki
| Creature profile | |
|---|---|
| |
| Boa constrictor | |
| Species | snake |
| Appearance | big snake |
| Origin | Central and South America and the Caribbean |
| Known specimens | Brazilian Boa constrictor at the zoo |
| First appearance in canon | The Vanishing Glass (PS) |
A boa constrictor is a type of snake. It is a member of the genus boa and a member of the family Boidae. The boa constrictor's natural habitat is found in the Americas, particularly in Central and South America and the Caribbean (WP).
There is a boa constrictor in the zoo near Surrey which the Dursleys visit for Dudley's eleventh birthday. It is the biggest snake in the reptile house. Dudley, wanting some excitement, makes his father try to rouse the sleeping snake by tapping on the glass; to no avail. Harry Potter, however, hangs behind and apologises for their behaviour, communicating with the snake—the first evidence of his ability to speak Parseltongue (CS11). By tapping on the plate on the glass wall, the boa constrictor tells Harry that is comes from Brazil but was born in the zoo. Piers Polkiss, Dudley's friend, observes Harry and the snake, and calls Dudley and Mr. Dursley over; Dudley shoves Harry out of the way, making him fall onto the concrete floor. In his anger, Harry performs accidental magic and Vanishes the glass, allowing the boa constrictor to escape. This sends the Dursleys and Piers, as well as the zoo personnel, into shock. Dudley and Piers claim that the snake tried to eat them, although Harry thinks it only touched their ankles playfully. Piers tells the Dursleys of Harry's interaction with the snake, leading to Harry being locked in his cupboard for several months (PS2).
