Are red tail boa's dangerous animals?

[stratus_020202]

...From the New Article:
'The Humane Society of the United States says at least 13 people have been killed in the U.S. by pet pythons -- which are also constrictors -- since 1980.

"But as far as I know, this is the first time someone has been killed by a pet boa constrictor," said Beth Preiss, the society's captive wildlife regulation specialist.'

The stats I'd seen were from before this happened, I didn't hear about this story out here in NC. It's a shame that happened, and odd behavior for a red-tail. I suppose it had to be just a matter of time, but I wouldn't let that tarnish the red-tail's stellar track record as a rather docile snake. I guess someday people will learn not to handle snakes over 8' long alone, they are after all 'animals' and thus inherently unpredictable.

Yeah, was definately a shocker. What they don't tell you in the article is this:

1. He was a new owner, and had only had the boa for about 6 months.
2. It was an aggressive snake to begin with. Whoever had it before didn't handle it enough. It had bit him a few times.
3. It was his first snake.

With balls, I usually tell new owners to start small and raise it. That way they can learn the snakes behavior. And, they are their most dangerous fresh out of the egg. Little fiends.