A boa is a large, heavy snake that kills its prey by wrapping around it and squeezing. Boas are constrictors, which means they coil their muscular bodies around animals and tighten their grip each time the prey breathes out. Despite their fearsome hunting method, boas aren't venomous and generally aren't dangerous to humans.

The most famous is the boa constrictor, which can grow over 10 feet long and lives in Central and South America. These snakes hunt rats, birds, and other small animals in rainforests and grasslands. When kept as pets, boas need careful handling and large enclosures because they grow so large and can live for decades.

The word boa also describes a long, fluffy scarf made of feathers or soft fabric. A feather boa drapes around someone's neck and shoulders, often worn as a fancy costume accessory. You might see one at a costume party or in old photographs of glamorous performers from the 1920s. These decorative boas got their name because they somewhat resemble a snake draped around someone's shoulders.