Upwards over the mountain

rhamphotheca:

Rubber Boa (Charina bottae)

This is the most northerly occurring boa in the world, found in a variety of temperate and arid habitats in the western United States and SW Canada. They prey mainly on small mammals, lizards, birds, and the eggs of reptiles and birds. Like other boa species, they are viviparous (live bearing).  They reach a max length of 1 m (but are usually smaller), and may live up to 20 years in captivity. They often roll into a ball , protecting the head in the middle, if molested. 

(photos: T - from Northern California by Todd W. Pierson; BL - from Pacifica, CA by Ken-ichi Ueda; BC - dark phase by Natalie McNear; BR - from Tuolumne Co., CA by Natalie McNear)