Crossword Genius

Wild thing preferring squash to snakebite? (3,11)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

boa constrictor

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'snakebite?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how they can define each other.

'wild thing preferring squash to' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'to' is within the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for boa constrictor that I've seen before include "Medium-sweet sherry" , "Large snake" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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