What is the Columbian rainbow boa?

The Colombian rainbow boa is one of nine rainbow boa subspecies that is native to Colombia and northern parts of South America. Typically beige or brown in color, the snake gets its name from the beautiful iridescent sheen present when their scales catch sunlight.

While young species are arboreal, the snake becomes terrestrial as it gets older. It is commonly found along the lower branches of trees or on the ground of lush rain forests hunting for prey that includes small birds, mammals and lizards. According to the Bristol Zoo, like other boas, the Colombian rainbow wraps its body around victims, "constricting" their ability to breathe until death.