How to Identify an Anaconda

The anaconda of South America is legendary for its size and ferocity and with good reason. A full grown anaconda could actually kill a man with little effort. Would you know what an anaconda would look like if you saw one?

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. While the anaconda is without a doubt the heaviest snake, it is in a tight contest with the reticulated python for the title of longest snake. Whatever the case, the anaconda has been known to exceed 20 feet in length and 500 pounds in weight. That is quite large enough to pretty much do what it wants.
2. The anaconda does not have fangs as it is a constrictor. Rather than injecting venom to disable prey, it instead will seize prey with its awesome jaws and wrap the prey with coil after coil of muscle. This snake will squeeze each time the prey exhales eventually suffocating the victim. Then it swallows its meal whole. The anaconda can unhinge its jaw to accommodate large prey as well.
3. While the anaconda does not have fangs, it does have hundreds of back slanting teeth that are quite difficult if not impossible to escape from. Because the teeth slant backwards towards the anaconda's throat, it is able to hold on quite easily. There is no escape from an anaconda bite unless it decides to let go.
4. An anaconda is a dark olive color for the base of the snake and is covered with circular blotches. This coloration helps it blend into the boggy murky swamps it inhabits. The anaconda is a lie in wait predator in general and will ambush prey when it happens by.
5. The anaconda has four variations and all are dangerous. The anaconda should be given a very wide berth and never messed with. If you come across this large snake, leave the area immediately.

Tips & Warnings

• The anaconda has been known to kill humans, so never approach an anaconda.