Giant snakes: Difference between revisions
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'''Giant snakes''' include those specimens large enough to swallow an adult human, and are rare, worldwide. Giant snakes are the oldest individuals of certain constrictor species, such as [[python]]s and [[boa]]s, that are capable of growing to great size. The term is an informal one that has gained use among wildlife enthusiasts. Because giant snakes do pose a danger to humans there are regulations and guidelines for keeping such animals in captivity (reference: Moritz, J. Requirements for the keeping of dangerous exotic animals. [German] Deutsche Tierarztliche Wochenschrift. Verlag M. & H. Schaper, Alfeld (Leine), Germany: 2003. 110: 5, 224-226. 7 ref..) | '''Giant snakes''' include those specimens large enough to swallow an adult human, and are rare, worldwide. Giant snakes are the oldest individuals of certain constrictor species, such as [[python]]s, [[anaconda]]s and [[boa]]s, that are capable of growing to great size. The term is an informal one that has gained use among wildlife enthusiasts. Because giant snakes do pose a danger to humans there are regulations and guidelines for keeping such animals in captivity (reference: Moritz, J. Requirements for the keeping of dangerous exotic animals. [German] Deutsche Tierarztliche Wochenschrift. Verlag M. & H. Schaper, Alfeld (Leine), Germany: 2003. 110: 5, 224-226. 7 ref..) | ||
Snakes that are long and heavy enough to take human sized prey are not only restricted in species, but must have a habitat with a climate and prey supply that enables a long life with resources to support body growth. Most of these animals, in the wild, are said to be found near large bodies of water and this may be because when the buoyancy of that water supports their body weight the very large and heavy snake is not handicapped by its size. | |||
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Further reading: | |||
Tales of Giant Snakes: A Historical Natural History of Anacondas and Pythons by John C. Murphy and Robert W. Henderson, Krieger publishing, 1997 | |||
Revision as of 20:18, 10 January 2007
Giant snakes include those specimens large enough to swallow an adult human, and are rare, worldwide. Giant snakes are the oldest individuals of certain constrictor species, such as pythons, anacondas and boas, that are capable of growing to great size. The term is an informal one that has gained use among wildlife enthusiasts. Because giant snakes do pose a danger to humans there are regulations and guidelines for keeping such animals in captivity (reference: Moritz, J. Requirements for the keeping of dangerous exotic animals. [German] Deutsche Tierarztliche Wochenschrift. Verlag M. & H. Schaper, Alfeld (Leine), Germany: 2003. 110: 5, 224-226. 7 ref..)
Snakes that are long and heavy enough to take human sized prey are not only restricted in species, but must have a habitat with a climate and prey supply that enables a long life with resources to support body growth. Most of these animals, in the wild, are said to be found near large bodies of water and this may be because when the buoyancy of that water supports their body weight the very large and heavy snake is not handicapped by its size.
Further reading:
Tales of Giant Snakes: A Historical Natural History of Anacondas and Pythons by John C. Murphy and Robert W. Henderson, Krieger publishing, 1997