World’s largest snake Anna Julia dies in Amazon rainforest just weeks after being discovered

The species was discovered while filming the National Geographic Disney+ series

A recently discovered giant python, thought to be one of the largest pythons in the world, has been found dead. A snake researcher who helped make the initial discovery said gunshot wounds may have been the cause.

The giant reptile, named Ana Julia, was discovered five weeks ago in the Formoso River in the rural Bonito area of ​​Mato Grosso do Sul state in southern Brazil, Brazilian media reported. independent.

The species was discovered while filming the National Geographic Disney+ series Pole to Pole with Will Smith.

The northern green anaconda is 26 feet long, weighs about 440 pounds (equivalent to 31 stone), and has a head about the same size as a human.

Amid speculation that the snake may have been shot, a Dutch researcher involved in Anna Julia’s discovery stressed that an investigation into the cause of death was still ongoing.

Professor Freek Vonk shared the sad news on Instagram. “It is with great pain that I want to let you know that the huge green anaconda I swam with was found dead in the river this weekend,” he wrote.

The professor added: “A tough animal, a survivor, has been swimming around bonito for decades.”

“As far as we know, she was perfectly healthy and in the prime of her youth, and she could have cared for many offspring over the coming years. As there aren’t many of these giant snakes swimming around, it’s a big threat to biodiversity. The hit (especially to this particular species) is huge,” he added.

Professor Funk had earlier said the snake had been shot, but now clarified that authorities have not found any evidence to suggest this.

“The cause of death is still being investigated and all possible options are being considered. So it is also possible that she died of natural causes,” he said.

Professor Brian Fry from the University of Queensland said at the time of the discovery: “The size of these magnificent creatures is incredible – one female anaconda we encountered was a staggering 6.3 meters long.

“According to rumors among the Waorani people, there are other anacondas in the area that are over 7.5 meters long and weigh about 500 kilograms.”