Copulation occurs during the emergence period, usually in April. Female Rubber Boas give live birth to 2-8 offspring, ranging from 180 to 280 mm long. Birthing occurs in late August through mid September. It appears that adult females are not capable of reproducing every year and may even be limited to reproducing every three to four years (Hoyer and Stewart 2000) or will attempt to reproduce but low temperatures do not allow the embryos to develop (Dorcas and Peterson 1998).
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Rubber Boas feed almost exclusively on small mammals. Their favorite prey are nestling rodents, which they consume in the nest and if attacked by the mother rodent, they will present their tail for the defending mother to chew on. Rubber Boas are also fond of shrews.
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Rubber Boas are perceived to be secretive as they are almost always concealed or underground. They sometimes bask near the den site but the only other time they are in the open is when they are making long distance movements. In the spring and fall Rubber Boas are active in the day to avoid cool nights but in the summer they are most active at night.
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In BC, Rubber Boas emerge from their dens as spring weather exceeds about 15C. However, they often stay concealed during the emergence period, which can last several weeks. Copulation occurs during this emergence period. When daytime temperatures exceed 20C they will disperse to their summer ranges. Rubber Boas will return to their den in the fall. Dens can be occupied by one individual or contain up to 10 or more individuals.
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