Recently, a giant anaconda believed to be one of the world’s largest was found dead in the Formoso River in the rural area of Bonito in Brazil. The snake, named Ana Julia, measured 26 feet in length and weighed around 440 pounds. It was discovered during filming for the National Geographics Disney+ series ‘Pole to Pole’ with Will Smith. The snake researcher involved in the discovery suggested that a gunshot wound may have been the cause of the anaconda’s death.
Professor Freek Vonk, who shared the news of the giant anaconda’s death on Instagram, emphasized how the snake was a strong animal that had been swimming in Bonito for decades. He expressed disappointment at the loss of such a healthy and thriving creature, highlighting the blow to biodiversity and the potential loss of future descendants of the species.
Despite initial speculation that the snake was shot, Professor Vonk clarified that authorities had not yet found any evidence to support this claim. Investigations into the cause of the anaconda’s death were ongoing, considering all possible options including the possibility of a natural death.
During the discovery of Ana Julia, the University of Queensland’s Professor Bryan Fry noted the incredible size of these magnificent creatures, with some anecdotal reports suggesting even larger anacondas in the area measuring over 7.5 meters long and weighing about 500 kilograms. The loss of such a rare and colossal snake highlighted the importance of conservation efforts and protecting endangered species like the green anaconda.