This Giant Anaconda Is So Big It Stops Traffic and Attacks a Car

Continue reading...

Generally, when we’re stuck in traffic, we assume it’s due to construction or an accident. However, drivers in a remote part of Brazil were shocked to discover their commute was delayed by a giant anaconda that had made its way onto the road. 

Luckily, a few travelers were able to stop oncoming vehicles long enough for the serpent to cross the road and back into a large patch of vegetation. 

With anaconda sightings being a rare occurrence, it’s a good thing someone was able to capture the scene on video and share it with the world. The video showcases the impressive size of the snake and the speed at which these amazing creatures move. 

Where do Anacondas Typically Live?

Anacondas are native to South America, primarily inhabiting the Amazon Basin and the Orinoco River system. These massive snakes thrive in tropical rainforests, swamps, marshes, and slow-moving rivers, where they can easily hunt and hide.

The Green Anaconda is the largest and most well-known species and inhabits parts of:

• Brazil
• Venezuela
• Colombia
• Peru
• Ecuador
• Bolivia

Since these snakes are excellent swimmers and spend much of their time submerged to ambush prey, they prefer warm, humid environments with abundant water.

Other species, like the Yellow Anaconda, are found in Paraguay, Bolivia, southern Brazil, and northeastern Argentina. They tend to inhabit smaller rivers, floodplains, and grasslands, often coexisting with caimans and other aquatic life.

Though these animals primarily live in remote regions, deforestation, and human activity are slowly impacting their habitat. Despite this, they remain well-adapted to their environment and continue to thrive in many areas of the Amazon and surrounding ecosystems.

How Big Can Anacondas Get?

It’s a common misconception that anacondas are the longest snakes in the animal kingdom. In fact, the title of “longest snake” belongs to the reticulated python, which can grow as long as 10 meters.

However, the anaconda truly shines in weight, with the largest ever recorded weighing just over 500 lbs. The massive snake was also nearly 28 feet long, making it one of the largest serpents ever measured. 

Do Humans Typically Encounter Anacondas in the Wild?

The chances of experiencing an anaconda sighting are extremely low. Since these large serpents spend most of their time in murky waters or dense vegetation, spotting one, even when actively searching for the snake, can be incredibly challenging.  Although, if you do stumble upon one, it’s important to give the predator enough space to make its escape.  

What Should You Do if You Encounter an Anaconda in the Wild?

Many people associate snakes with being evil and aggressive, but many serpents are just looking for a way to avoid human interaction — anacondas aren’t much different.  

Their sheer size sets these snakes apart from other species, which can be intimidating for many people. However, following a few simple steps can keep you and the anaconda safe during the rare instances when you meet each other in the wild. 

Stay Calm and Keep Your Distance

As evident in the video, anacondas aren’t naturally confrontational and usually prefer to avoid people. If you find yourself close to one of these snakes, don’t make sudden movements. It’s best to remain calm and slowly back away to give the animal enough space to feel less threatened. 

Do Not Provoke the Snake

It’s easy to let your fear or nervousness take over when seeing a massive anaconda. However, one of the worst things you can do in this type of scenario is try to move or scare the snake away. Sudden aggressive movements can be seen as a threat and cause the snake to lash out in defense. 

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

While anacondas generally try to avoid humans, there are instances when they will attack out of defense or, in rare cases, out of aggression. What’s important is to be aware of your surroundings at all times when moving through territory known to house these massive snakes. 

Anacondas are ambush predators that blend into their environment, including the water. It’s safe to assume that if you’re walking through an area where locals have spotted these creatures, they could be anywhere. 

If Attacked, Remain Calm

If you experience an attack, remaining calm is the most important step to surviving the ordeal. Since anacondas are constrictors, they kill their prey by wrapping and crushing. If one of these snakes starts to coil around you, try to keep it from getting to your chest while targeting its sensitive areas — the eyes and snout.