Reports without physical proof are considered dubious if from non-scientists, as such individuals may at worst be more interested in promoting themselves or telling a good tale, or at the least may not be sufficiently trained in proper measurement methods. Skins can stretch substantially, increasing the snake's size by more than 50% if stretched during the tanning process. Transporting very large specimens to museums, especially before substantial decay, is difficult (though this has not prevented the return of much larger and more cumbersome crocodilian specimens). The remote location of the snake's habitat has historically made locating, capturing, and returning specimens difficult. The eyes are set high on the head, allowing the snake to see out of the water while swimming without exposing its body.ĭifficulties in determining maximum size The head is narrow compared to the body, usually with distinctive orange-yellow striping on either side. The color pattern consists of an olive green background overlaid with black blotches along the length of the body. Jesús Antonio Rivas, who had examined more than a thousand anacondas, was a female 5.21 m (17.1 ft) long and weighing 97.5 kg (215 lb). The longest and heaviest verified specimen encountered by Dr. A US$50,000 cash reward is on offer for anyone who can catch an anaconda 30 ft (9.14 m) or longer. Reports of anacondas 11–12 m (35–40 ft) or even longer also exist, but such claims must be regarded with caution, as no specimens of such lengths have ever been deposited in a museum and hard evidence is lacking. Although it is slightly shorter than the reticulated python, it is far bulkier the bulk of a 4.5-metre (15 ft) green anaconda is comparable to that of a 7.4-metre (24 ft) reticulated python. It is the largest snake native to the Americas. Weights are less well studied, though reportedly range from 30 to 70 kg (66 to 154 lb) in a typical adult. More typical mature specimens reportedly can range up to 5 m (16.4 ft), with adult females, with a mean length of about 4.6 m (15.1 ft), being generally much larger than the males, which average around 3 m (9.8 ft).

The green anaconda is the world's heaviest and one of the world's longest snakes, reaching a length of up to 5.21 m (17.1 ft) long.

Giant anaconda