can a anaconda really eat a person?

Answer 1

Actually yes there are several species of snakes who do have the ability to eat humans. Anacondas are one, reticulated python is another good example.

They have found though that there is a problem when those speices try to eat humans. The bodies of most prey are alble to compress into a smooth round shape due to the fact that the legs are able to fold against the body. Overall there really is no problem if the snake eats the kill hind legs first or head first... though head first is much simpler.

However with humans there is a problem, our shoulders.

A snake is able to extend their jaws verticle an insane amount, however the horizontal stretch is far less. If a person is laying on their back when the snake attempts to eat it they (unless it is a huge snake and small child) chances are they will not be able to extend their jaws past the shoulders. There are even a few recorded cases of finding snakes dead with humans part in their mouth, stuck on the shoulders.

HOWEVER if the snake is able to turn the person to their side then attempt to eat the person its a cake walk. With the humans shoulders lined up with vertical stretch of the snakes jaws they are able to pass the shoulders with no problem.

So to sum things up... yes it is possible, but extremely rare.

Hope that makes sense, kinda hard to explain with no visual. If you have questions email me.

Answer 2

Yes, easily, but a big person need not worry too much.
For a comparison look at the mountain lion, which attacks unwary children and small adults. But only defends itself against anything bigger.
This happens very rarely, most of the time the cougar just makes a run for it.
The anaconda is pretty much the same. With the exception that it needs to be much surer of its prey because it is a big and time-consuming undertaking.

Answer 3

Oh yes. The largest snakes on earth are the reticulated python and the anaconda, both of which can grow to a length of 33 feet (10m) and weigh up to as much as 550 pounds (250kg). Case in point: they may not be poisonous to you, but they can easily kill you.

Have a look at the second link, interesting photograph of a man inside an anaconda!

Answer 4

An (not a) Anaconda has been known to eat a human, they eat deer , goats etc so a human should be no problem.Have you seen how big some of these thing grow? They have a mouth that can open to around 180 degrees to allow large prey to be ingested.you can see the 'lump' passing down their bodies, if you're brave enough to stand that close to one in the wild.

Answer 5

Pfffft! No! Just like people with umbrellas can't fly and lions don't talk to hornbills about problems in Africa. Do a search for green anaconda (thy're the biggest) on google images and you'll see how skinny they are compard to people. Also they're so rare and misunderstood that they hardly ever come into contact with people - and when they do, the snake is often killed. Snakes are timid and only bite when cornered. I think this is natural selection. People who don't understand anacondas will get bitten by them.

The nature of these animals and their separation from humans forbids it, but their body structure and size would allow it. They probably wouldn't have to eat for another couple of years, and that's if they survived it - we are very salty and bad for them, especially with clothes on. A snake can't just eat your finger (believe me - I had one that tried!), they can't bite it off and chew so they have to swallow the whole thing.

The only snake tha has been known to eat a human is a reticulated python. But hanks for bringing this up, it is a common misconception thanks to Hollywood. It's not your fault they've mislead you.

Answer 6

it happened in Snakes on a Plane and Anaconda, and Holywood always tells the truth. So yes

Answer 7

yes it can have the ability to eat you but dont worry after the initial squeeze where it crushes every bone in your body you will go numb and into shock and you wont feel a thing or know what is going on

Answer 8

A large ananconda can swallow a small person. I have no worry, for I am 6'1", 360 pounds, but my lover Miyuki is 5'0.5', 97 pounds. I won't take her to South America.

Answer 9

easily. although it would need to be at least 20 feet in length. there was one caught years back that measured about 23 feet that had eaten a 6 foot crocodile. so we wouldnt be much harder to swallow.

Answer 10

It has the jaw structure and ability to so if it really wanted to eat you it could