Is it safe to handle a 8 foot boa alone?

[Bogertophis]

Yeah, I won't get a snake anytime soon, because my mom is terrified of them, but I want a Boa in my life. I see females get really thick compared to males, so that was a good sized boa. I need experience with constrictors first to be honest to know what it's like. I can then see how I feel about handling large snakes.

That's a good plan for now. Always keep in mind that despite the way so many people describe a snake that relentlessly bites as being "aggressive", such snakes are usually afraid & being defensive- only biting us out of fear. I was just the first one to handle that boa that understood her, & was able to show her she was entirely safe with me- thus she learned she had no reason to bite me, ever.

With a snake that has that much power & size, you want to make sure they feel safe, just as you want to feel relaxed when you handle them. Bites are best avoided- especially BIG ones. It's not common, but people have had permanent injury (such as nerve damage in their hands) from severe bites, so depending on your line of work or life goals- it's really best to avoid that.

Of course, snakes also make mistakes at feeding times & accidentally land a bite, but experience with snakes & using smart techniques will prevent those bites. Big snakes do pack quite a big punch when it comes to grabbing prey- & I agree, your mom would NOT be okay with even just seeing that. And yes, my 7.5'+ female boa was "girthy". Fortunately by the time she grew large under my care, she was very sweet & cuddly- not so shy any longer.