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20 Interesting Facts About Anacondas

The frightening anaconda snakes have long been overgrown with numerous legends that exaggerate their size many times over. Although these interesting and curious myths do not correspond to reality, it is definitely not worth diminishing the danger posed by a meeting with an anaconda. These huge snakes are far more dangerous than most other large predators, and they sometimes attack unwary people.

  • Females of these snakes are one and a half times longer than males.
  • The length of an adult anaconda rarely exceeds 5 meters, but there is no evidence that these snakes longer than 6 meters exist in the world. However, legends tell about 15-meter snakes.
  • Contrary to popular belief, anacondas are not the longest snakes in the world. They are the largest in mass but are longer than the reticulated pythons.
  • Anacondas live throughout the tropical zone of South America.
  • In captivity, they take root very poorly and rarely live longer than 5-6 years. The record is as much as 28 years. And how long they live in the wild, still no one knows for sure.
  • Anacondas spend most of their lives in water, getting out on land only for prey.
  • An adult anaconda can easily swallow the average adult.
  • Unlike most other snakes, during molting, anacondas shed their skin not on the ground, but underwater. They rub against stones and river bottom, getting rid of old scales.
  • These snakes lead a solitary lifestyle, but in April-May, during the mating season, they gather in rather large groups.
  • A large adult anaconda can weigh up to 100 kilograms.
  • Scientists believe they never hunt humans on purpose. It’s just that we are the same prey for them as any inhabitants of the jungle.
  • The size of the anacondas population is still unknown.
  • Anacondas are rarely hunted. Having swallowed large prey, they can digest it for 2-4 weeks, practically without moving.
  • Adult anacondas even hunt caimans and turtles.
  • Due to the presence of acid in the stomach, they digest the prey along with the bones.
  • Anacondas are cannibals, on occasion, they are not at all opposed to devouring their own relatives.
  • Like other reptiles, they develop in eggs, but the eggs are formed in the body, and small and already fully formed anacondas are born. Very rarely, eggs are still deposited.
  • On average, a female anaconda gives birth to 30-40 cubs at a time, but most of them do not survive. At the same time, her pregnancy lasts up to 7 months. At this time, the snake greatly loses weight and eats little.
  • Despite their enormous size and frightening physical strength, anacondas themselves can become prey. Cases have been recorded when they were successfully hunted by jaguars and old large crocodiles.
  • Sometimes locals hunt anacondas for their hide.
Alice White

Written by Alice White

Alice White, a devoted pet lover and writer, has turned her boundless affection for animals into a fulfilling career. Originally dreaming of wildlife, her limited scientific background led her to specialize in animal literature. Now she happily spends her days researching and writing about various creatures, living her dream.

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