Anacondas

Anacondas are some of the biggest snakes in the world. They live in the rainforests and wetlands of South America. Most of the time, they stay in slow rivers and swamps. Anacondas are great swimmers and can hide well in the water.

Giant Snakes

The green anaconda is the heaviest snake on Earth. It can weigh more than 400 pounds and grow over 20 feet long. Even though they are big, they can move quietly in the water. Their eyes and nose are on top of their heads so they can see while hiding.

A map showing where anacondas live in South America.
A map showing where anacondas live in South America. (Bubblesorg / Wikimedia Commons)

How They Hunt

Anacondas are not poisonous. Instead, they squeeze their food until it cannot breathe. This is called constricting. They eat fish, birds, and larger animals like capybaras. After a big meal, they can go weeks without eating again.

Fun Facts

  • Female anacondas are bigger than males.
  • Baby anacondas can swim on their own as soon as they are born.
  • Anacondas give birth to live babies instead of laying eggs.

Did You Know?

A large anaconda can have more than 30 babies at one time.