New snake species, possibly the world’s biggest, discovered in the Amazon

(Gray News) - Scientists have discovered a new species of snake that could be the biggest in the world in the Amazon Rainforest.

The newly identified northern green anaconda was found by a team from the University of Queensland in the Ecuadorian Amazon. The team was in the area after accepting an invitation from the Waorani people to investigate reports of the previously undocumented species, according to CNN.

The discoveries were made while the team was filming for an upcoming National Geographic project featuring Will Smith, CNN reported.

Professor Bill Fry, who led the team, reported the team saw several anacondas during their 10-day expedition, according to CNN, including one female snake that was about 20 feet long.

The scientists also said they heard anecdotal evidence of even larger snakes sighted in the region, with some measuring nearly 25 feet long and weighing more than 1,100 pounds.

Anacondas are non-venomous snakes that are typically found in or near water in warm parts of South America.

By Dorothy Sedovic

www.wkyt.com