A giant anaconda, believed to be one of the world’s largest, was found dead recently in the Formoso River in southern Brazil’s Mato Grosso do Sul State. The massive reptile, named Ana Julia, measured 26 feet in length and weighed approximately 440 pounds. The discovery was made during filming for the National Geographics Disney+ series ‘Pole to Pole’ with Will Smith.
A snake researcher who assisted in the initial discovery suspects that the anaconda may have suffered a gunshot wound, though investigations into the cause of death are still ongoing. Professor Freek Vonk, who was involved in the discovery of Ana Julia, shared the sad news on Instagram, describing the snake as a strong, healthy animal that had been swimming around Bonito for decades.
Despite earlier speculation that the snake had been shot, Professor Vonk clarified that authorities have not found any evidence to support this claim. He mentioned that the cause of death is still being investigated, with the possibility that the anaconda died a natural death. The loss of such a magnificent creature has significant implications for biodiversity, particularly for this particular species of colossal giant snakes.
When the snake was discovered, Professor Bryan Fry from The University of Queensland noted the incredible size of these creatures. He mentioned anecdotal reports from the Waorani people of other anacondas in the area that measured over 7.5 metres in length and weighed around 500 kilograms. The death of Ana Julia is a significant loss, both in terms of her individual presence and for the conservation of these majestic creatures.