7 largest snakes to have ever existed on Earth
Snakes have always been a fascinating area of interest to us for centuries, often igniting fear for their slithering characteristics. Whether written about in ancient mythology, modern-day documentaries, these slithering reptiles have inspired innumerable tales.
Some snakes have grown to astonishing sizes, their sheer scale defying belief.
Over the millennia, snakes have evolved into diverse species — some tiny and harmless, others large enough to take down deer, crocodiles, and even early elephant ancestors. While most modern-day snakes are modest in size, fossil evidence and rare sightings have revealed giants that could wrap around a car — or even a small house. These snakes aren't just long; they're heavy, muscular, and capable of exerting crushing force beyond human comprehension.
Here are seven of the biggest snakes to ever slither across land or sea, among these, some still live today!
Vasuki indicus
The fossils of this snake were discovered in India in 2024. Vasuki indicus is possibly the largest snake ever. Estimated to reach up to 50 feet in length, it lived around 47 million years ago. Named after the God Shiva's serpent king in Hindu mythology, it was a land-dwelling predator that likely killed its prey through constriction.
Titanoboa cerrejonensis
Titanoboa, once the biggest snake known to science, stretched an estimated 42.7 feet long and weighed over 2,500 pounds.
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This massive constrictor roamed South America's rainforests 60 million years ago, feeding on crocodiles and large fish. Its fossils were discovered in Colombia's Cerrejón Formation in the early 2000s.
Palaeophis colossaeus
This ancient sea snake swam through prehistoric oceans covering North Africa around 100 million years ago. Measuring up to 39 feet, it is the longest known marine snake. Its size was so massive that researchers believe it could have consumed small whales.
Only partial fossils have been found to date.
Gigantophis garstini
Gigantophis garstini roamed in and around Egypt 40 million years ago and grew between 23 to 32 feet long. It was a powerful constrictor capable of swallowing early elephant relatives whole. For nearly a century, it held the record as the largest snake ever known, until even bigger species were later discovered.
Green anaconda
Native to the Amazon, the green anaconda may not be the longest, but it is the heaviest snake alive today.
Growing up to 33 feet long and weighing up to 550 pounds, these water-loving predators use their bulk to overpower prey like capybaras, caimans, and even deer through immense force.
Reticulated python
The reticulated python, commonly found in Southeast Asia, is the world's longest snake. Though some unverified reports claim lengths over 32 feet, verified snake individuals still reach impressive sizes of over 25 feet. Known for their diamond-like patterns, these pythons are powerful constrictors and occasionally pose a threat to humans.
Indian python
Native to South Asia, the Indian python can reach lengths of nearly 21 feet and weigh as much as 220 pounds. Known for their perfect preying skills and strength, these snakes hunt at night using heat-sensing pits on their faces. They are close relatives of the Burmese python and blend easily into forest terrain.
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