Anacondas are the heaviest snakes in the world. They live in water and so can often slither unnoticed along the riverbed.
Picture Credit: Patrick Jean (Wiki Commons)
Amazing Facts About the Anaconda
- There are four different species of anaconda: Green, Bolivian, Yellow and Dark-Spotted Anacondas.
- The largest species is the Green Anaconda which can grow up to 30ft (9m) in length and weigh up to 550lbs (250kg)!
- They are part of the boa constrictor family.
- They are found in the Amazon Rainforest and usually inhabit marshes, swamps and slow moving streams.
- They do not lay eggs but actually give birth to live young.
- Female anacondas are significantly larger than males.
What do Anacondas eat?
- Once they have reached their adult size Anacondas can take on wild pigs, caiman, capybara and even jaguars!
- Anacondas are not venomous and usually kill by constriction (wrapping around and squeezing their prey until they can no longer breath).
- Their jaws stretch so they can swallow their prey whole. After a large meal they do not need to eat for weeks.